PRODUCT RECALL: Ford to Recall F-150 on Sudden Airbag Deployment

February 23, 2011

Los Angeles - Giant automaker, Ford Motor Corporation has initiated the recall of nearly 144,000 F-150 pick-up trucks manufactured in its now-closed Norfolk, Virginia factory.

According to reports, Ford Motor Co. released a statement on its recall plan for the F-150 truck models from November 2004 to June 2005. These models were sold in the market for years 2005 and 2006.

Ford commented that the recall was in response to the reported 315 cases of sudden airbag deployment, among which includes 77 confirmed injuries. The automaker explained that the incident is attributed to the dislocated copper wire that can cause friction and short circuit. If the situation went unnoticed, it would light the warning lamp and cause the air bag to deploy inadvertently.

Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also released a statement that it will review Ford's recall initiative and will assess if the 144,000 figure will be enough to cover other related product defect cases.

Reports said that most of the cases show sudden airbag deployment a few seconds after starting the pickup. Customers have also filed complaints on unexpected deployment while driving on freeway and driveway. A recent claim includes a client who had to jump off the vehicle to avoid the inadvertent deployment.

Ford commented that most of the defective airbag came from the Norfolk auto factory. Smaller number of cases was traced in Dearborn and Kansas City.

THE NHTSA plans to compel Ford to recall 1.3 million pickup trucks from 2004 to 2006 model.

Ford clarified that their data is sufficient to indicate smaller number of affected customers. Ford ensured that the replacement for the wiring harness will take a few hours.