Safety compliance recall affects approximately 32,000 Edges, MKXs and Continentals, as Takata airbags may not fully fill or cushion could detach from module
More frustration is in store for drivers with Takata airbags in their cars.
Ford has announced it’s recalling 2016-17 Ford Edge, 2016-17 Lincoln MKX and 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles, as their Takata airbags may not inflate as intended, potentially causing driver injuries. Approximately 32,000 cars are affected.
According to Ford, when the driver’s front airbag is deployed, it either may not completely fill, or the airbag cushion could detach from the airbag module because of component misalignment. In a statement, Ford said is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this issue.
The affected vehicles are:
- 2016-17 Ford Edge vehicles built at Oakville Assembly Plant, Oct. 8, 2015, to Feb. 15, 2017
- 2016-17 Lincoln MKX vehicles built at Oakville Assembly Plant, Nov. 11, 2014, to Feb. 15, 2017
- 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Jan. 13, 2016, to Jan. 18, 2017
Dealers will replace the driver front airbag module at no cost to the customer. Owners are asked to contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332 for more information. Ford’s number for this recall is 17C02 and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration campaign number is 17V-123.
How does this tie in with the other Takata airbags recall?
It’s important to note that this particular safety compliance recall is not related to the massive, 2½-year Takata airbags recall, in which an estimated 42 million vehicles in the U.S. are affected.
In that recall — the largest and most complex in U.S. history — Takata airbags on the frontal driver’s and passenger sides have malfunctioned during deployment, sending shrapnel flying through the passenger cabin. The NHTSA has said “these inflators were made with a propellant that can degrade over time and has led to ruptures.”
Eleven people have died in the U.S. because of the defect, while more than 180 people worldwide have been injured.
Recently, the Japanese auto parts company pleaded guilty to wire fraud for concealing the defect and agreed to pay $1 billion in criminal penalties.
The plea deal calls for $125 million to go to the injured and families of those killed who haven’t reached separate settlements, while $850 million will be for automakers’ airbag recall and replacement costs.
“We hope that today’s guilty plea and sentence will send a message to suppliers of consumer safety products that they must put safety ahead of profits,” said outgoing U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade.
Meanwhile, product liability lawyers representing Takata airbags injury victims and estates of those who died in airbag-related accidents are arguing that Honda, Ford, BMW, Toyota and Nissan have known about Takata’s airbag defects for more than a decade — but still used them out of cost considerations and Takata’s ability to produce the bulk quantities the automakers needed.
To see if your car is included in that Takata airbag recall, visit the NHTSA’s website dedicated to the recall. The NHTSA urges owners of cars on the list — which includes select BMW, Chrysler, Daimler Trucks, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota vehicles — to act immediately on recall notices to replace defective Takata airbags. To do so, follow up with the manufacturer to get interim guidance and get your vehicle fixed as soon as parts are available.
