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Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator side airbags may fail

NHTSA campaign 21V652000 · Reported 2021-08-23 · Ford Motor Company

high How serious is it? About this label

The vehicle drives normally and the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, but a side airbag that deploys incorrectly raises your risk of injury in a crash, so schedule the free fix promptly.

What's wrong, in plain English

On certain 2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles, the studs that hold the side airbag in place can break loose when the airbag goes off. If that happens, the side airbag will not inflate the way it is supposed to, so it may not protect you properly in a side crash. Because of this, these vehicles do not meet the federal safety rule for side impact protection. Dealers will replace the side airbag assemblies at no cost.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your vehicle falls under recall 21V652000.
2. Contact your Ford or Lincoln dealer, or Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 (recall number 21C19), for an appointment.
3. Have the dealer replace the side airbag assemblies — the repair is free.

Affected vehicles (2)

2021 Ford Explorer
2021 Lincoln Aviator

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Lincoln — official Lincoln recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Ford airbag recalls: which models and years keep coming back? · all 13 Ford recalls in this area
Why do Lincoln airbag recalls keep hitting Aviator and Navigator? · all 5 Lincoln recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during the deployment of the side air bag, resulting in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214, "Side Impact Protection".
Safety risk: Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C19.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.