Ford’s recall affects 953,000 vehicles

DETROIT — Ford is recalling more than 953,000 vehicles worldwide to replace Takata passenger air bag inflators that can explode and hurl shrapnel. The move includes more than 782,000 vehicles in the U.S. and is part of the largest series of recalls in U.S. history. Included are the 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, the 2010 and 2011 Ford Ranger, the 2010 to 2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, the 2010 and 2011 Mercury Milan, and the 2010 to 2014 Ford Mustang. Some of the recalls may be limited to specific geographic areas of the U.S. Takata used the chemical ammonium nitrate to create an explosion to inflate air bags. But it can deteriorate over time due to heat and humidity, then explode with too much force, blowing apart a metal canister designed to contain the explosion. At least 23 people have been killed worldwide and hundreds have been injured by the inflators. Ford says it doesn’t know of any injuries in vehicles included in this recall. Dealers will replace the inflators. Ford will notify owners about the recall starting on Feb. 18, and the company has replacement parts available for dealers to order, said spokesman Monique Brentley. In previous Takata recalls, parts availability had been an issue. Owners can go to owner.ford.com/service/frequentlyasked-questions-regarding-takata-airbag-inflator-recalls. html and key in their vehicle identification number to see if their cars and SUVs are being recalled. The same information will be available soon at nhtsa.gov/recalls. More than three years after the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration took over management of recalls involving Takata inflators, 16.7 million faulty inflators out of 50 million under recall have yet to be replaced.