Two new recalls impact hundreds of thousands of Rangers, Explorers, and Aviators
Ford’s having another terrible day, as on top of the 499,129 crossovers being recalled for brake hoses that can rupture, the automaker is recalling an additional 314,021 vehicles. These are impacted by two separate campaigns that involve tearing airbags and a taillight issue.
Starting with the most serious problem, Ford is recalling 100,900 Rangers from the 2024-2026 model years as their side curtain airbags may contact B-pillar reinforcements during deployment. This can result in a tear, which increases the risk of injury.
More: Ford’s 105th Recall Hits Hundreds Of Thousands Of Popular Pickups
The automaker opened an investigation in June following an Ejection Mitigation audit test, which showed the truck barely passed. An examination of the side curtain airbag revealed an approximately 0.5-inch (12 mm) slit near the top of the cushion.
Following additional tests and research, Ford “determined that the cause was the interaction of the airbag with the B-pillar inner reinforcement flange, which could cause a tear and premature pressure loss.” Thankfully, the automaker isn’t aware of any incidents related to the issue.
To address the problem, owners will be instructed to take their truck to the dealership. Once there, technicians will install a protective shield that separates the side curtain airbag from sheet metal, which can cause tears.
Electrical Gremlins
The second recall impacts 213,121 SUVs including the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Lincoln Aviator. The vehicles may have a body control module with improperly soldered components on their printed circuit board assemblies.
This can cause a host of issues including inoperative power window/mirror switches, error messages, as well as “operability issues” with the vehicle’s glove box light, vanity lights, and dome lamps. There could also be issues with the alarm, rear defroster, USB charger and/or 12V power point. The air conditioning system could also blow warm air and trailer taillights may fail to illuminate when towing.
That’s a staggering number of symptoms and Ford became aware of the issue in June after reviewing warranty claims involving inoperative side windows that were fixed by replacing a body control module. The company then examined the faulty modules and found “insufficient solder joints at the terminals of electronic components.”
Ford is aware of 21 warranty claims potentially related to the issue and the ‘fix’ seems pretty half-hearted for a company plagued by recalls. In this case, vehicles with less than 9,000 miles (14,484 km) on them will have body control module C replaced. That’s to be expected, but vehicles with over 9,000 miles (14,484 km) don’t automatically get a replacement. Instead, dealers will “perform a functional check” on the body control module and replace it as necessary.
That sounds like a second recall just waiting to happen. However, Ford pointed to statistical analysis from their Six Sigma Black Belt team that “indicates high confidence that the condition will not occur if a vehicle has reached 9,000 miles (14,484 km) without occurrence.” Of course, Ford’s track record doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
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