Does Ford fix airbags for free?
Yes. If your Ford vehicle is affected by a safety recall that involves an airbag, Ford will repair or replace the airbag component at no cost to you.
Beyond recalls, whether an airbag repair is free depends on warranty status, the cause of the fault, and whether there are active service campaigns. To confirm eligibility, owners should check official recall databases and contact a Ford dealer for a VIN-specific assessment.
How airbag recalls work and Ford's policy
Airbag recalls are mandated safety actions overseen by regulators, most notably the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States. When a defect is identified, manufacturers—including Ford—must notify owners and repair or replace the faulty system at no charge. These repairs cover parts and labor and are implemented through Ford dealerships with access to official service guides and replacement parts.
What triggers a recall
A recall is triggered when a defect in materials, workmanship, or a safety issue is confirmed by the manufacturer or regulatory authorities. In airbags, this has historically involved inflators, modules, sensors, or related components that could fail or deploy improperly.
When Ford will fix airbags at no charge
Owners should understand the scenarios where Ford typically covers airbag repairs at no cost. The following guidelines apply in the United States and many other markets, but always verify with a dealer for your VIN.
- Open safety recall for airbag inflators, modules, or related components that require replacement or repair.
- Defects in the airbag system that are covered under Ford’s basic warranty or a separate safety-related warranty, still within the applicable term or mileage.
- Official manufacturer service campaigns or extended recall programs that cover airbags beyond the standard warranty period. These campaigns are typically communicated by Ford and government agencies and are free to owners.
In practice, recalls and campaign-driven repairs are performed at Ford dealerships at no charge. If a repair is not part of a current recall or warranty extension, charges may apply depending on the fault's cause and the vehicle’s warranty status.
What to do if you suspect an airbag problem that's not a recall
If you notice warning lights, abnormal airbag behavior, or a deployment issue not tied to a known recall, take proactive steps to protect yourself and seek evaluation from Ford.
- Check your vehicle’s status using your VIN on official recall sites (Ford’s recall checker or NHTSA’s SaferCar database) to confirm whether there is an active airbag recall.
- Contact your local Ford dealer or Ford Customer Service to schedule a diagnostic appointment and confirm coverage based on your VIN and warranty status.
- If a recall is identified, do not delay the repair and ensure the service is performed by an authorized Ford technician with access to current service protocols.
- If there is no recall but the car is under warranty, ask the dealer to determine whether the issue is a covered defect and thus repaired at no cost.
- If you’re outside the warranty window and no recall exists, inquire about goodwill programs or campaigns; policies vary by model year and regional regulations.
Bottom line: Free airbag repairs are guaranteed for official recalls and covered warranty defects. For non-recall issues, eligibility depends on warranty terms and specific circumstances, so a dealer diagnostic is essential.
How to check your Ford airbag recall status
Owners should verify recall status before scheduling any service. Reliable sources include the NHTSA recall database and Ford’s official recall lookup tools. Entering your vehicle identification number (VIN) provides a definitive answer on active airbag recalls and required free repairs.
Summary
Ford will fix airbags for free whenever a formal safety recall applies or when a covered defect falls under the vehicle’s warranty. Outside recalls, owners should rely on warranty terms, goodwill campaigns, and dealer guidance to determine whether a cost-free repair is available. Regularly checking VIN-based recall status and consulting an authorized Ford dealership remains the best way to ensure timely, no-cost repairs.
What Ford models are being recalled for airbags?
Ford airbag recall information is largely related to the Takata airbag recall, which affects numerous older models and has "do not drive" advisories for vehicles with unrepaired inflators. Key affected models include specific Ford Ranger, Mustang, Fusion, Edge, and other vehicles from the mid-2000s through early 2010s. To find out if a specific vehicle is affected, use its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Ford website or the NHTSA website.
Recent recalls
- 25S76: 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport® and 2020-2022 Ford Escape®
- 24S55: 2021-2022 Ford Bronco®, Edge®, Explorer®, and F-150®
- 24S44: 2022-2023 Ford Mustang®
- 23S37: 2014 Ford F-150®
Takata airbag recalls
- Affected vehicles: This is a long-running recall affecting many models. Examples include:
- Ford Ranger (2004-2011)
- Ford Mustang (2005-2014)
- Ford Fusion (2006-2012)
- Ford Edge (2007-2010)
- Ford GT (2005-2006)
- Lincoln MKX (2007-2010)
- Lincoln MKZ / Zephyr (2006-2012)
- Mercury Milan (2006-2011)
- Do not drive advisory: Ford has issued "do not drive" advisories for certain unrepaired vehicles as part of the ongoing Takata recall, because the airbags can explode and cause injury or death.
- What to do: If your vehicle is affected, contact your local dealer to schedule the free repair. Dealerships may provide mobile service, free towing, or a loaner vehicle.
How to check your vehicle
- Find your VIN: The 17-character VIN is on a plate on the driver's side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield.
- Visit the recall website: Enter your VIN on Ford's recall site to see if your vehicle is affected by any open recalls.
- Contact a dealer: Once you know if your vehicle has an open recall, call a local dealer to schedule a free repair.
How to get Ford to pay for repairs?
If the dealer tells you you're out of warranty and you'll have to pay for the repair.... Before you pay or decline repairs and pick your vehicle back up, call 1-800-392-3673 and start a case requesting assistance. The vehicle has to be in the dealerships possession to start the case.
What is the warranty on Ford airbags?
Enter your vehicle's year and model*
Under the factory warranty, your Ford vehicle's airbag Supplemental Restraint System, or SRS, and safety belts are covered for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Are airbag repairs free?
Defective airbags can cause serious injury or even death if not repaired immediately. The repair process is completely FREE. Does your airbag need replacing? Check if your vehicle's VIN is part of this recall.
