Article
Ford Is Still in the Process of Rectifying Mishandled Takata Airbag Repairs
A recent revelation from the Detroit Free Press has shed light on Ford’s ongoing efforts to address potentially inadequate repairs on about 270,000 vehicles following the massive Takata airbag recall, which has been linked to numerous fatalities. The investigation raised concerns about some vehicles that were either incorrectly serviced or not serviced at all during the recall procedures. Ford has disputed certain aspects of the report, insisting that the number of affected vehicles is in the hundreds, not thousands.
A Closer Look at the Situation
The Detroit Free Press analysis indicated that up to 4,000 Ford vehicles might still pose safety risks due to improper repairs under the Takata airbag recall. Instances were reported where repairs were falsely marked as completed, leading to fraudulent billing or inadequate servicing carried out by inexperienced technicians, especially on crucial safety components.
Ford’s Response and Actions Taken
Ford has responded by clarifying that the majority of the mentioned vehicles had their faulty Takata inflators replaced in the initial recall, and although some replacements might have been substandard, they should still function to some extent in case of an accident. The automaker has initiated rechecks, particularly under Recall 23S08, to ensure the quality of past repairs.
Moreover, Ford acknowledged that around 40,000 customers had been affected by technicians who falsified claims related to other recalls. A separate recall, 22B05, was issued to rectify these instances. Ford has reevaluated a significant portion of the affected vehicles, with the majority showing no issues. However, around 600 customers are believed to still be driving vehicles potentially equipped with Takata airbags, and Ford is actively trying to engage with them to resolve the matter.
Conclusion
While the Detroit Free Press report has raised concerns about the extent of the problem, Ford is taking proactive steps to address any lapses in repair work to ensure the safety of its customers. The automaker’s commitment to rectifying these issues underscores its dedication to ensuring the reliability of its vehicles.
FAQ
1. How many Ford vehicles are estimated to have undergone improper Takata airbag repairs?
The Detroit Free Press estimated that around 4,000 Ford vehicles might still have unresolved safety issues due to inadequate Takata airbag repairs.
2. What actions has Ford taken to address the situation?
Ford has initiated rechecks of the affected vehicles under Recall 23S08 to verify the quality of past repairs. Additionally, a separate recall, 22B05, has been issued to rectify cases where technicians submitted falsified claims.
3. Are there any fines associated with the mishandled repairs?
As part of a recall audit, Ford is reportedly imposing fines of $10,000 per instance of fraudulent repair on dealers, with some facing fines exceeding $100,000.
4. How is Ford reaching out to potentially affected customers?
Ford is actively attempting to contact customers whose vehicles may still contain Takata airbags to ensure their safety by rectifying any outstanding issues.