The 2009 Ford Ranger has 7 recalls, the most serious being defective airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The airbag concern covers both sides of the front seat. The passenger-side inflator can rupture during a crash deployment, sending sharp metal shards toward the occupant instead of providing cushioning. The driver-side inflator carries the same risk: long-term exposure to heat and humidity can degrade the propellant inside, causing a violent explosion rather than a controlled inflation. These are Takata-type inflator recalls that have been filed across multiple campaigns, but they all point to the same danger in this truck. Owners in hot, humid climates face elevated risk given the conditions that accelerate inflator degradation.
On the chassis side, this truck also has two recalls tied to the same front spindle defect, and both apply only to 4x2 (two-wheel drive) models. The front wheel spindle can develop fatigue cracks over time and fracture without any warning signs. When that happens, the wheel and spindle assembly can separate entirely from the truck while it is moving, leaving the driver with sudden and complete loss of steering control on that corner. A wheel departing the vehicle at speed creates a serious hazard for other vehicles on the road as well. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, which is why separate campaigns were filed addressing this defect.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode. This can happen when the propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with a new one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver or passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air bag module and replace the module or inflator if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after long-term exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost. Ford will mail recall notices and notify owners when parts are available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost once parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some front wheel spindles were improperly manufactured and may fracture during normal use of the truck.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front spindle at no charge if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front spindle may not have been properly heat-treated during manufacturing. Over time, it can crack and break without warning, potentially causing the spindle and wheel to separate from the truck.
What the fix does
The dealer will check when the front spindle was made and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
