Driver side air bag inflator may explode
Defect Summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2006 ford ranger trucks. ford is requesting owners not to drive these vehicles until they have been repaired. on january 11, 2018, ford motor company (ford) notified nhtsa that they are recalling 2,700 model year 2006 ranger vehicles built with driver-side air bag inflators . As of february 9, 2018, ford is expanding the recall to a total of 33,310 model year 2006 ranger vehicles. upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Safety Consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with sharp metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action
Ford will notify owners instructing them to not drive their vehicles, and dealers will replace the front driver side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. the recall for the original population began on january 16, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. ford's number for this recall is 18s02.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Air Bags.
FAQ: Recall 18V023000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 18V023000?
NHTSA recall 18V023000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on January 11, 2018. It addresses: Driver side air bag inflator may explode. The recall affects approximately 33,310 vehicles, with the defect involving the Air Bags component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 18V023000 or the manufacturer campaign number 18S02. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
What does "Do Not Drive" mean for this recall?
NHTSA has flagged this recall as Do Not Drive, meaning the defect poses an immediate safety risk and affected vehicles should not be operated until they are repaired. Owners should contact their dealer immediately and may be eligible for free towing or a loaner vehicle while awaiting parts.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.