Ford’s Bestselling Midsize Truck Hit by Major Six-Figure Recall

Key Takeaways

Ford has recalled over 100,000 Ranger pickup trucks due to faulty curtain airbags.
This recall is part of a larger trend, with around 1.3 million vehicles recalled this month alone.
CEO Jim Farley is prioritizing quality control, although it may negatively impact the brand’s reputation temporarily.

Ford Issues Ranger Recall

Ford Motor Company is facing challenges related to quality control, as it leads the industry in recalls for 2023. The latest recall involves the mid-sized Ford Ranger pickup truck, with over 100,000 units recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) due to issues with the vehicle’s curtain airbags.

The recall affects 2024-2026 Ranger models, which contain faulty curtain airbags essential for crash safety. These airbags are designed to cushion impacts from the sides of the vehicle and prevent passenger ejection during accidents. The defect was identified during a NHTSA safety audit, revealing that the Ranger only marginally passed side impact crash tests. It was discovered that a small slit, measuring 15/32 of an inch, had formed in the curtain airbag due to a foreign object, which could lead to deflation. Ford attributes the problem to a potential laceration caused by an inner reinforcement flange associated with the airbags. The company plans to implement a corrective measure—a new protective shield for the airbags—beginning in December.

Ford’s Recall Issues Continue

The Ranger recall is part of a broader pattern for Ford this month, with approximately 1.3 million vehicles recalled. This figure includes around 355,000 trucks and an additional 500,000 SUVs. Given the scale of these recalls, many Ford vehicle owners from the last decade may find their vehicles recalled at some point, particularly in the past year.

In response to these ongoing issues, Ford CEO Jim Farley is committed to enhancing the brand’s build quality. While this effort is crucial for the company’s long-term reputation, the frequency of recalls may lead to consumer apprehension. It can be daunting for customers to drive off the lot with a substantial investment, only to face the potential need for a dealership visit due to recalls. For now, the focus remains on addressing these quality concerns while navigating the immediate fallout associated with a rising number of recalls.

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