AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2011 Ford Ranger
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.
Campaign 19V001000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.
Check your VIN on NHTSA.govOverview
Our database contains 235 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Ford Ranger, most frequently naming the airbags, exterior lighting and brakes categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 12 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2016 | 12 | 42 |
| Nov 2016 | 4 | 46 |
| Dec 2016 | 6 | 52 |
| Jan 2017 | 4 | 56 |
| Feb 2017 | 4 | 60 |
| Mar 2017 | 5 | 65 |
| May 2017 | 4 | 69 |
| Jun 2017 | 7 | 76 |
| Jul 2017 | 3 | 79 |
| Aug 2017 | 4 | 83 |
| Sep 2017 | 3 | 86 |
| Oct 2017 | 20 | 106 |
| Nov 2017 | 27 | 133 |
| Dec 2017 | 10 | 143 |
| Jan 2018 | 5 | 148 |
| Feb 2018 | 4 | 152 |
| Mar 2018 | 5 | 157 |
| Apr 2018 | 10 | 167 |
| May 2018 | 4 | 171 |
| Jun 2018 | 5 | 176 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 177 |
| Aug 2018 | 2 | 179 |
| Oct 2018 | 4 | 183 |
| Nov 2018 | 1 | 184 |
| Dec 2018 | 4 | 188 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 189 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 190 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 191 |
| Apr 2019 | 4 | 195 |
| May 2019 | 3 | 198 |
| Jun 2019 | 3 | 201 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 202 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 203 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 204 |
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 205 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 206 |
| Apr 2020 | 2 | 208 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 209 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 210 |
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 211 |
| May 2021 | 2 | 213 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 214 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 215 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 216 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 217 |
| Mar 2022 | 2 | 219 |
| May 2022 | 2 | 221 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 222 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 223 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 224 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 225 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 226 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 227 |
| Feb 2023 | 2 | 229 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 230 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 231 |
| Jul 2024 | 1 | 232 |
| Oct 2024 | 1 | 233 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 234 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 235 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags19676.9%
- Exterior lighting93.5%
- Brakes93.5%
- Body & structure83.1%
- Fuel system62.4%
- Electrical52.0%
- Powertrain (other)52.0%
- Driver assistance52.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
6 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
I received a letter from FORD identifying my Ranger as in need of an airbag replacement under recall, for free installation and parts. I called the only Ford dealer in town, Capitol Ford, Santa Fe, NM, and was told they were unable to replace my airbag because they did not have the parts for it and did not know when they would get the parts. That was about 4 years ago. Recently, I called the same FORD dealer and made an appointment via a text message to get the airbag replaced under recall. When I took my Ranger in for service at the time arranged, the dealer did not give me any paperwork or receipt or work order. The service dept. personnel just asked for my keys and agreed that I would wait in the lobby. After 2 hours I asked the service personnel whether my airbag had been replaced and a staff member informed me that I would need to leave it all day to get the airbag replaced. I was not prepared to wait all day for this, so I informed this person I needed to reschedule the air bag replacement appointment. He then told me he would not give me my Ranger until I agreed not to request Capitol Ford to replace my airbag, he said I had to agree to take it to another dealer for airbag replacement. I then said I was calling the police to report he stole my vehicle. Only then did he agree to return my Ranger to me. Then, I called the Ford manufacturer and recounted these events. The representative called Capitol Ford to make an appointment for me for the airbag replacement while I waited on the line. After waiting, the rep returned to the line and informed me the dealer refused to make an appointment for said airbag replacement and hung up. I have not heard back from the manufacturer and that was last week. I received no documentation, receipt, or work order from Capitol Ford when I dropped off my Ranger for service as described above.
- NHTSA ID
- 11744306
- Incident
- Jun 11, 2026
I'm looking to buy this truck from a private sale. If I do, and the recall has not been completed, will the manufacturer still fix it for free?
- NHTSA ID
- 11670841
- Incident
- Jun 2, 2025
HIGH BEAM LIGHTS FAILED ON, THE HI-LO BEAM SWITCH IN TURN, HAZARD, WIPER COMBO SWITCH LATER OVERHEATED, BURN UP, SMOKE IN CABIN CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF LAMPS, WIPERS AT NIGHT IN RAIN. CLEARLY A COMMON ISSUE BASED ON WEB. IF YOU ARE GOING TO SEND FULL LOAD CURRENT WITH NO CONTROL RELAYS FORCE A HIGHER STANDARD ON DESIGN MARGINS AND AND MTTF. YOU HAVE (4) HEAD LAMPS ON A CAR NO REASON A DESIGN SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CAUSE ALL (4) TO FAILURE. FORCE MULTIPLE RELAYS, MODULES, AND CONTACTS, WIRING CIRCUITS AND FUSES. ALSO FIX THE BLINDING HEADLIGHT ISSUES. I SEE ALMOST NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LO AND HI BEAMS ON NEW CARS AND SEE SPOTS FOR 30 SECONDS AFTER PASSING CARS ON LO. SET STANDARDS AND FORCE CERTS ON EVERY NEW HEAD LIGHT DESIGN. DOT/NHTSA SHOULD BE LIABLE FOR ANY CRASHES RELATED TO BEING BLINDED WITH HEADLIGHTS
- NHTSA ID
- 11618410
- Incident
- Oct 7, 2024
- Mileage
- 110,000 mi
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer wanted to charge the contact to complete the repair because the air bag was deployed. The contact stated that prior to the recall appointment, he had a crash with a deer which deployed the driver's side front air bag. The contact stated that he was driving at approximately 20 MPH during the impact. The contact stated that the deer crashed into the passenger side of the vehicle and only cracked the passenger side front headlight. The contact stated that the dealer was unwilling to complete the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- NHTSA ID
- 11604223
- Incident
- Jul 10, 2024
- Mileage
- 235,000 mi
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the system needed to be reset. While driving, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the air bag module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 161,484.
- NHTSA ID
- 11532929
- Incident
- Oct 14, 2021
- Mileage
- 161,484 mi
The airbags did not deploy during accident. I was injured. No, the problem was not reproduced or confirmed by dealer or independent service center yet. The vehicle was inspected by police. There were no prior warnings.
- NHTSA ID
- 11523837
- Incident
- May 19, 2023
Took my 2011 Ford Ranger to the local dealer for the mandatory airbag and knee plate replacement pick up the vehicle they gave me paperwork saying the parts have been replaced happened to be working under the dash yesterday and found that parts were not replaced bolts were missing whether or not they removed anything or not I would doubt it and highly doubt that the airbags were replaced being as the main structural replacement wasn't replaced as the repair order says it was obviously there's a fraud involved here because the dealers claiming they repair the car per a safety recall and didn't or did a half-ass job and replace some parts or not all I don't really know is I'm not taking apart the steering column to get to the airbags but I do know that the knee plate which was should have been replaced and the repair order says was was not which makes me believe nothing was replaced I had issues right from the get-go trying to get this repair done now to find out it was fraud so I am now driving a 2011 Ford Ranger that is most likely as dangerous as it was before the airbags were supposedly replaced this needs to be looked into but I will not go back to that dealer especially after what I found I have paper documentation claiming they did the work but didn't please advise and investigate
- NHTSA ID
- 11508157
- Incident
- Nov 15, 2022
My vehicle has a safety recall the dealership refuses to repair and the manufacturer has been no help.
- NHTSA ID
- 11505835
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2023
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
EQUIPMENT
All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
AIR BAGS
Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion and MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT ⢠Updated Ranger Technical Information to include images of a pass and fail airbag inflator inspection for 2007-2011 model years.
AIR BAGS
Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion & MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection: Ford Motor Company has determined that some vehicles claimed by dealers as repaired under Takata Airbag Safety Recalls 15S21, 17S42, 18S02, 19S01, and 21S12 may not have received the claimed repairs. The propellant in certain Takata airbag inflators can experience an alteration over time with exposure to certain climate conditions. A combination of time, high temperature fluctuations, and humidity contribute to the degradation of the propellant in the inflators. This degradation can cause the propellant to burn too quickly, creating high pressure inside the inflator, and in extreme cases causing the inflator to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment. A ruptured inflator can send inflator parts toward vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Additional information regarding Takata recalls can be found at www.nhtsa.gov and www.safercar.gov.
POWER TRAIN
On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
EQUIPMENT
Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: Monroney Label (Window Sticker), Professional Technician Society (PTS) OASIS tab select SYNC or HVBOM. For Genuine Ford accessories use: PTS Workshop Tab select Dealer Installed Accessory or Accessory Installation.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be supporting their AppLink integration. No repair attempts should be attempted to correct this concern.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 33 | 13 | 0 | 62.0 |
| 2024 | 68 | 13 | 0 | 58.8 |
| 2023 | 18 | 4 | 0 | 58.5 |
| 2022 | 37 | 5 | 0 | 56.7 |
| 2021 | 111 | 6 | 0 | 64.1 |
| 2020 | 125 | 7 | 1 | 63.7 |
| 2019 | 263 | 11 | 0 | 59.1 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2016 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2014 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2011Viewing | 235 | 6 | 0 | 53.5 |
| 2010 | 156 | 9 | 0 | 53.2 |
| 2009 | 168 | 8 | 0 | 51.6 |
| 2008 | 325 | 6 | 1 | 58.3 |
| 2007 | 270 | 6 | 1 | 59.9 |
| 2006 | 271 | 12 | 0 | 52.1 |
| 2005 | 289 | 11 | 3 | 62.3 |
| 2004 | 404 | 12 | 3 | 65.5 |
| 2003 | 243 | 5 | 1 | 60.5 |
| 2002 | 346 | 7 | 0 | 56.0 |
| 2001 | 515 | 9 | 2 | 63.3 |
| 2000 | 670 | 8 | 0 | 56.3 |
| 1999 | 755 | 10 | 0 | 56.2 |
| 1998 | 576 | 11 | 1 | 61.4 |
| 1997 | 411 | 7 | 2 | 61.3 |
| 1996 | 413 | 8 | 0 | 55.9 |
| 1995 | 321 | 7 | 1 | 57.9 |
| 1994 | 438 | 11 | 1 | 61.3 |
| 1993 | 232 | 10 | 2 | 64.6 |
| 1992 | 189 | 6 | 1 | 63.9 |
| 1991 | 132 | 6 | 4 | 67.5 |
| 1990 | 105 | 5 | 3 | 66.3 |
| 1989 | 73 | 3 | 1 | 63.0 |
| 1988 | 89 | 2 | 2 | 66.4 |
| 1987 | 50 | 5 | 4 | 71.3 |
| 1986 | 35 | 5 | 7 | 75.0 |
| 1985 | 27 | 3 | 1 | 67.6 |
| 1984 | 12 | 8 | 1 | 69.0 |
| 1983 | 11 | 7 | 0 | 57.4 |
| 1979 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.