Major Expansion of Takata Airbag Recalls Now Includes Ford Ranger and Saab Models

The ongoing Takata airbag recall—one of the largest and most complex automotive safety campaigns in history—has taken another significant turn with the inclusion of Ford Ranger pickup trucks and certain Saab luxury models. This latest expansion represents just the beginning of what safety regulators anticipate will be millions more recalled airbag inflators across multiple automakers.

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The Scope of the Latest Recall Expansion

According to NHTSA filings, the current expansion involves approximately 520,000 additional airbag inflators. While this number is substantial, it represents just a fraction of the estimated 5 million inflators that regulators expect will eventually be added to the recall pool. The Takata recall already encompasses about 23 million defective inflators across 19 million vehicles from multiple manufacturers.

The recall stems from defective airbag inflators that can deploy with excessive force, potentially spraying metal shrapnel into vehicle occupants. This dangerous defect has been linked to numerous injuries and fatalities worldwide, making it critical for affected vehicle owners to address recall notices immediately.

Manufacturer Responses and Specifics

MotorVero contacted all major automakers involved in the recall to obtain the most current information about affected models. Here's what we learned from manufacturer statements and NHTSA communications:

General Motors (Saab)

GM confirmed the recall affects approximately 162,000 Saab 9-3 and 9-5 vehicles in the United States. These vehicles contain defective driver-side airbag inflators in cars originally sold between 2003 and 2011. GM owned Saab until 2010, but remains responsible for recall-related repairs.

Ford Motor Company

Ford announced it will recall approximately 360,000 Ranger pickup trucks from the 2004-2006 model years for defective driver-side airbags. This comes after the same vehicles were previously recalled for faulty Takata passenger-side airbags, meaning affected Rangers now require repairs on both sides.

Other Manufacturers

Several other automakers are currently evaluating their potential involvement in this recall expansion:

• Mazda: Expected to include B-Series pickups (2004-2006), which share platforms with the Ford Ranger
• Volkswagen Group: Including Audi models (specific vehicles still being determined)
• Mercedes-Benz: Currently investigating potential impacts
• Honda, BMW: Reviewing documents to determine affected vehicles

Manufacturers including Toyota, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis), and Nissan stated they don't currently plan to add vehicles under this specific recall expansion, though this could change as investigations continue.

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Why This Recall Matters

The Takata airbag recall represents an unprecedented automotive safety crisis with several unique characteristics that vehicle owners should understand:

• Progressive danger: The risk increases with time and exposure to heat/humidity, making older vehicles in warmer climates particularly vulnerable
• Multiple phases: The recall has been rolling out in waves since 2013, with new vehicles added regularly
• Complex repair process: Some vehicles require temporary fixes before permanent replacements are available
• High stakes: Defective inflators have caused at least 27 deaths and hundreds of injuries worldwide

What Affected Owners Should Do

If you own one of the affected vehicles—particularly a 2004-2006 Ford Ranger or 2003-2011 Saab 9-3/9-5—take these steps immediately:

1. Check your VIN: Use NHTSA's recall lookup tool at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm if your specific vehicle is affected
2. Contact your dealer: Schedule a no-cost repair as soon as parts are available
3. Prioritize driver-side airbags: If both sides are affected but only passenger-side parts are available, get that repair first
4. Monitor for updates: Sign up for recall alerts from both NHTSA and your vehicle manufacturer

The Bigger Picture: Why Recalls Keep Expanding

The Takata airbag situation continues to evolve because of several factors:

• Ongoing testing: NHTSA and Takata continue to test inflators from various vehicle models and model years
• Chemical degradation: The ammonium nitrate propellant deteriorates unpredictably over time
• New data: Real-world incidents and testing results reveal previously unknown risks
• Regulatory pressure: NHTSA has established an aggressive recall schedule based on risk factors

Industry analysts expect the recall to eventually encompass virtually all Takata airbag inflators that use ammonium nitrate propellant without a desiccant (drying agent). This could potentially affect tens of millions more vehicles in coming years.

How MotorVero Is Tracking This Issue

Our automotive safety team maintains constant vigilance on the Takata recall situation through:

• Daily monitoring of NHTSA announcements and manufacturer communications
• Direct communication with automaker recall specialists
• Analysis of technical service bulletins and repair procedures
• Regular updates to our comprehensive recall database

We'll continue to update this article as new information becomes available from official sources. For the most current recall information, we recommend checking both NHTSA's website and your vehicle manufacturer's recall page regularly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my vehicle is affected?

Use the VIN lookup tool on NHTSA's website or contact your local dealership with your vehicle identification number. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

Is it safe to drive my recalled vehicle?

While the statistical risk remains low, NHTSA recommends addressing airbag recalls immediately. Some manufacturers may advise against allowing passengers in front seats until repairs are complete.

Why are these particular vehicles being added now?

The recall follows a risk-based schedule, with older vehicles in high-humidity regions prioritized first. New data and testing results continue to identify additional at-risk vehicles.

How long will repairs take?

Replacement typically takes 1-2 hours, though some vehicles may require temporary fixes until permanent replacement parts are available. Dealerships often provide loaner vehicles if extended repairs are needed.