2011 Ford Ranger Airbags Problems

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

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

The faulty airbag is unable to be replaced due to Ford not being able to get replacement parts. It puts me at risk every day that I drive it because if I got into an accident and the airbag deploys, it can project metal shards into my body which can be life threatening or even cause death.

NHTSA ID

11489070

Incident

Oct 13, 2022

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and was unable to confirm when parts would be available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11486673

Incident

Mar 25, 2021

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11481413

Incident

May 1, 2021

Made several attempts with Ford Dealership to remedy the recall without success.

NHTSA ID

11475550

Incident

Jul 24, 2022

I live in Florida. It has been 15 months since Ford notified me that a second airbag needed replacing. I have not heard from them since then. This is not what I would consider a timely replacement. The truck is a 2011 and I'm 73 years old. I feel the Ford is trying to run out the clock on my repair.

NHTSA ID

11471337

Incident

Jun 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V001000 (Air Bags) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer and Earnhardt Ford (7300 W Orchid Ln, Chandler, AZ 85226:(480) 893-0000) were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect on NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V001000 (Air Bags). VIN tool confirms parts not available on NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags).

NHTSA ID

11466744

Incident

Jan 1, 2019

Ford has failed to make a remedy available for a safety recall from 14 months ago

NHTSA ID

11466126

Incident

May 25, 2022

Recall was issued almost a year ago (March 25, 2021). This is a potential life-threatening defect and apparently Ford still does not have the parts needed to effect the fix.

NHTSA ID

11455021

Incident

Mar 25, 2021

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11449897

Incident

Apr 1, 2021

I was notified in April 2021 that there was a safety issue with the driver side airbag. The notification stated that when parts were available Ford Motor Company would send me a letter to contact the dealer to have the repairs made. I have contacted my dealer at various times and the parts are still not available. I believe that the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. I have not experienced a failure. Mar 25,2021 Manufacturer Recall Number21S12 NHTSA Recall Number21V158 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary DRIVER AIRBAG INFLATOR REPLACEMENT

NHTSA ID

11435155

Incident

Mar 25, 2021

2011 FORD RANGER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHSTA AIR BAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PARTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE RECALL WERE UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11434633

Incident

Sep 28, 2021

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact had received a call from the dealer and was informed that the parts were available. After dropping off the vehicle, the contact called the dealer to check on the status of the vehicle and the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11425109

Incident

Apr 1, 2021

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V158000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT YET MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. When the Ranger pax airbag bomb was revealed I simply did not carry any pax until the pax airbag was replaced. Now I get the news that the driver airbag is also a bomb. And parts are not yet available. Why did DOT/NHTSA not order Ford to disable the airbag system until the recall could be completed? I'm supposed to drive around with an armed lethal explosive device, known to be fatal if activated, in the middle of my steering wheel until Ford gets around to replacing it. Am I missing something or are you guys all nuts? I wonder if you would please let me know how many additional people have died since you issued the recall on 2021-03-25 because you did nothing to stop it'.

NHTSA ID

11414937

Incident

May 3, 2021

I'VE CONTACTED EMPIRE FORD OF ABINGDON VIRGINIA TWICE BY PHONE: ONCE ON AUGUST 27TH AND AGAIN ON AUGUST 28TH 2019, AND WENT IN PERSON TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THE 25TH OF SEPTEMBER 2019 AND PHYSICAL HANDED THEM MY VEHICLE REGISTRATION TO GET THIS RECALL TAKEN CARE OF. AS OF YET, JULY 2020, I HAVE HAD NO HELP GETTING MY RECALL FIX, AND YET, FORD CONTINUES TO FLOOD MY MAIL BOX WITH 'URGENT RECALL' MAIL. EITHER THIS IS NOT AN URGENT RECALL OR FORD MOTOR COMPANY DOES NOT CARE ABOUT MY SAFETY; OR MAYBE THE DEALERSHIP IN GENERAL DOES NOT CARE ABOUT MY SAFETY. PLEASE ADVISE, OR AT LEAST GET FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO STOP THE HARASSING RECALL MAIL.THANKS

NHTSA ID

11337977

Incident

Aug 27, 2019

I WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD. THE FRONT WHEEL ON DRIVERS SIDE FELL OFF CAUSING THE TRUCK TO ROLL GOING AIRBORNE AND LANDING UPSIDE DOWN IN A CREEK DOWN A 20 FT EMBANKMENT. THE AIRBAG WAS RECALLED AND REPLACED AT A LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. LAST THING I REMEMBER WAS GENTLY TAPPING MY BRAKE. *TR

NHTSA ID

11330244

Incident

Jun 11, 2020

Mileage

117,000 mi

BARTLESVILLE, OK. FORD MOTOR CO. REFUSED TO COME GET MY TRUCK FOR REPAIR. I HAVE NO INSURANCE ON IT BECSUSE I CAN'T AFFORD IT NOW. ON MY NOTICE IT STATED THAT ITS FREE OF CHARGE ANYWAY. EVEN TOWING. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO ? IT WAS THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT TOLD ME NO ..

NHTSA ID

11321483

Incident

Apr 15, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V001000(AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEW BRIGHTON FORD 1100 SILVER LAKE RD NW, NEW BRIGHTON, MN 55112 TO HAVE THE RECALL SERVICED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED, THE TABS USED TO SECURE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG PANEL WERE NOT SEALED. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE A MECHANIC WAS SENT TO PROVIDE THE REPAIR HOWEVER, NO REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE DEALER NOTIFIED THAT MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD PLACE AN ORDER FOR A NEW PART TO FIX THE ISSUE WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE CONTACT HAD YET TO HEAR BACK FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,400.

NHTSA ID

11307584

Incident

Jan 27, 2020

Mileage

61,400 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V001000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. OXMOOR FORD (100 OXMOOR LN, LOUISVILLE, KY 40222, (502) 426-2500) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID

11234605

Incident

Jun 19, 2019