Due to multiple factors we’ve made some changes to how visitors can access our content. Please click here to learn more.
Ford Motor Company is initiating a safety recall for all 2025 model year Ford Ranger vehicles, totaling 405 potentially affected units. According to information submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a defect in the instrument panel topper assembly may compromise the proper deployment of the passenger airbag in the event of a crash. This could increase the risk of occupant injury, as the airbag might not deploy as intended. The issue stems from an incorrect laser scoring process on the underside of the instrument panel topper, which was manufactured by Tier 1 supplier Yanfeng US Automotive Interior Systems.
Article continues after these messages…
In a time where local news media coverage seems to be disappearing, your contribution is more important than ever. While our in-depth articles are for supporting members only, we won’t put our core news content behind a paywall, because we believe access to news should be democratized, instead of access for only those who can afford it.
But keeping the lights on and taking the fight to local accountability takes resources. Your monthly subscription directly funds our public records requests, website hosting, and time spent analyzing local government and events so you don’t have to.
We are the only newsroom in Washington County with facts-first focus, locally owned, independent, while keeping our core news content free. Will you help us keep it that way?
The non-conforming instrument panel topper components were produced between September 9 and September 10, 2025. This manufacturing deviation means that the scoring pattern did not meet the required design specifications. Testing conducted by Ford revealed that this issue could lead to delayed airbag inflation in low-impact deployments and, in some cases at cold temperatures, prevent the passenger airbag from fully emerging from the instrument panel surface. These findings were reviewed against Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208, which governs occupant crash protection, including criteria for head and neck injury mitigation and low-risk airbag deployment. Ford has stated that there have been no reports of warranty claims, field issues, customer complaints, accidents, or injuries related to this specific defect.
Ford’s recall procedure will involve notifying owners by mail and instructing them to schedule an appointment with a Ford or Lincoln dealership. At the dealership, the instrument panel assembly will be replaced free of charge. The replacement instrument panel assemblies will be manufactured with the correct laser scoring patterns that meet all specified requirements. While VINs for affected vehicles will be searchable beginning October 14, 2025, owners are expected to receive interim notification letters between October 24 and October 25, 2025, with a phased recall for the remedy.
Owners of potentially affected vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles and to park them outside until the repair can be completed. For those concerned about whether their specific vehicle is part of this recall, Ford has provided a toll-free number, 1-866-436-7332. Alternatively, owners can contact a local Ford or Lincoln dealer, who can access the Ford On-line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) database to confirm applicability.
Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Ford Motor Company
Do you believe we got something wrong? Please read our publishing standards and corrections policy.
Video Spotlight
Did you know? Supporters get a reduced ad experience!
Sponsored Articles
Get daily and breaking news for Washington County, MD area from Radio Free Hub City. Sign up with your email today!
Paid supporters have a reduced ad experience!
Discover more from Radio Free Hub City
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
