Ford Flex, Taurus, Lincoln MKS & Mercury Sable Airbag Recall: What Owners Need to Know
Safety Recall Notice: Certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles may have incomplete airbag deployment systems requiring immediate attention.
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Affected Vehicles
This safety recall impacts approximately 200 vehicles across four models manufactured during a specific production period:
- Ford Flex SUVs (2007-2012 model years)
- Ford Taurus sedans (2007-2012 model years)
- Lincoln MKS sedans (2007-2012 model years)
- Mercury Sable sedans (2007-2012 model years)
These vehicles were assembled at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant and Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario between December 13, 2007, and October 6, 2011.
The Safety Concern
The recall addresses a potentially serious issue with the driver-side airbag system:
- The chemical enhancer for second-stage airbag deployment may be missing from the module
- This defect does not affect primary-stage airbag deployment
- The issue is not related to the widespread Takata airbag recalls
Potential Risks
In the event of a moderate to severe collision requiring second-stage airbag deployment:
- Airbag may not inflate with optimal force
- Increased risk of injury due to reduced protection
- No impact on initial airbag activation
Ford has confirmed no reported accidents, injuries, or fires related to this specific condition at the time of the recall announcement.
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Recall Solution
Ford has authorized the following repair procedure at no cost to vehicle owners:
- Complete replacement of the driver-side airbag module
- Genuine Ford replacement parts that meet all safety specifications
- Repairs performed by certified Ford technicians
Repair Process Details
The module replacement typically requires:
- Approximately 1-2 hours of labor time
- No need for steering wheel removal in most cases
- Post-replacement system verification
Owner Action Required
If you own one of the affected vehicles, follow these steps:
- Verify your VIN: Check if your vehicle is included in this recall using Ford's official VIN lookup tool
- Schedule service: Contact your local Ford or Lincoln dealership to arrange for repairs
- Prepare for service: Bring your recall notice and vehicle registration
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Contact Information
For additional recall information:
- Ford Customer Service: 866-436-7332
- Official recall website: Ford Recalls
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236
Finding Authorized Service
To locate a certified repair center:
- Use the MotorVero Service Center Locator
- Search by your ZIP code for the nearest participating dealership
- Verify the service department has recall repair authorization
What to Expect at the Dealership
When you arrive for your recall service appointment:
- Technicians will verify your VIN matches recall records
- Service advisor will explain the repair process
- Most repairs can be completed while you wait
- You'll receive documentation of the completed recall service
Understanding Airbag Deployment Stages
Modern airbag systems use multi-stage deployment to optimize protection:
| Stage | Activation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Stage | Initial impact | Rapid inflation for immediate protection |
| Second Stage | Follow-up (if needed) | Adjusts inflation based on collision severity |
This recall specifically affects only the secondary deployment capability while leaving primary protection intact.
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Recall Timeline and Updates
Ford has implemented the following recall process:
- Initial recall announcement filed with NHTSA
- Owner notification letters scheduled for mailing
- Parts availability confirmed at dealerships
- Repair campaign expected to continue
Checking for Updates
Stay informed about recall developments:
- Register your vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls
- Enable recall alerts through FordPass app
- Periodically check your VIN status
Safety Recommendations
While awaiting recall repairs, consider these precautions:
- Always wear your seatbelt properly
- Maintain safe following distances
- Avoid distracted driving
- Have all passengers properly restrained
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Understanding Your Risk
Important safety context about this recall:
- The airbag will still deploy in accidents
- Only certain types of collisions would engage second-stage deployment
- No known failures have occurred in real-world conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my vehicle is affected?
Check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through Ford's recall lookup tool or the NHTSA website. All affected owners will receive mailed notices.
Is it safe to drive my vehicle before the repair?
While the primary airbag protection remains functional, Ford recommends scheduling the recall service as soon as possible for optimal safety.
What if I already paid for this repair?
You may be eligible for reimbursement. Contact Ford Customer Service with your repair documentation for possible refund consideration.
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Related Recalls and Service Bulletins
Owners of these vehicles should also be aware of:
- Periodic software updates for airbag control modules
- Scheduled maintenance for supplemental restraint systems
- Other unrelated recalls that may apply to your specific model year
Always check for open recalls before major service visits.
Additional Resources
For more information about vehicle safety and recalls:
