The airbags in certain Ford Mustang, Ford F150 and other Ford vehicles are defective because they can explode and eject deadly metal shrapnel.
Need a Texas Ford Airbag Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you were injured or a loved one died when a Ford airbag exploded or failed to deploy, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
52 Million Airbag Inflators Could Eject Deadly Metal Shrapnel
U.S. safety officials with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are warning that around 52 million airbag inflators manufactured by ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive are defective because they can explode and eject deadly metal shrapnel.
These airbag inflators were manufactured between 2000 and January 2018, and installed in vehicles from Ford and 11 other auto-makers.
What Vehicles Have ARC Airbags?
Ford has not yet provided a complete list of vehicles that were sold with ARC airbag inflators. Ford and other auto-makers have only recalled a limited number of vehicles with ARC airbags at this time.
Transport Canada has provided a partial list of Ford vehicles with driver-side ARC airbag inflators, including:
- 2004-2011 Ford Crown Victoria
- 2004-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis
- 2004-2011 Lincoln Town Car
Ford Recalls 2017 Mustang, F150 Trucks With ARC Airbags
In August 2017, Ford issued a limited recall for certain 2017 model-year Ford Mustang and Ford F150 pickup trucks with ARC airbags that can rupture and eject metal shrapnel, causing injury or death.
The recall includes about 650 vehicles. According to the recall notice:
“The inflator may rupture during a front passenger airbag deployment, resulting from a crash, which may result in metal fragments striking vehicle occupants and causing serious injury and death.”
The recalled vehicles include:
- 2017 Ford F150 (production dates: JUL 20, 2017 – AUG 01, 2017)
- 2017 Ford Mustang, 2-Door (production dates: JUL 20, 2017 – AUG 01, 2017)
What is the Problem with ARC Airbags?
ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive Systems manufactured about 52 million airbag inflators using a friction welding process, which can leave behind extra metal debris called “weld slag” inside the inflator.
According to the NHTSA investigation report, this “weld slag” is dangerous because when the airbag deploys, it can clog up a vent hole that is supposed to allow gases to escape from the inflator and fill up the airbag.
Instead of filling up the airbag, the gases are trapped inside the inflator, which pressurizes the metal canister and causes it to blow apart. The explosion can eject sharp pieces of metal through the airbag and into the passenger compartment, causing severe injury or death to anyone inside the vehicle. The airbag also fails to inflate.
Ford Vehicles Recalled for Takata Airbag Explosion Risk
Ford has also recalled a large number of vehicles that were equipped with Takata airbags, which can also rupture and shoot out dangerous pieces of metal shrapnel.
The risk is highest with certain 2006 Ford Rangers. Owners should not drive these vehicles because the risk of an airbag explosion is so high.
Ford has recalled the following vehicles with Takata airbags:
- Ford Edge 2007 – 2010
- Ford Fusion 2006 – 2012
- Ford GT 2005 – 2006
- Ford Mustang 2005 – 2014
- Ford Ranger 2004 – 2011
- Mercury Milan 2006 – 2011
Need a Ford Airbag Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years of experience, participation in over 600 jury trials, and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.