Airbag recall fix didn’t go well (wait if you can)

[ChronciallyChronic]

That’s exactly why I am afraid to have my done, especially when I read they have to take the headliner down, remove the pillar posts, and remove center console. Thinking about not even having recall done.

Why would the center console need to be removed?

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[Fozzy136]

My replacement parts came in today at my local Ford Dealer. I did advise the service department regarding my concerns about the repair. I had a 2022 Ford Maverick that a side curtain recall. After the warranty work was done there were dirt handprints all over the headliner and interior of the truck. I was advised that the recall for the Ranger was not as involved as the Maverick. I guess time will tell.

 

[rjoustra]

I spoke to a tech that came out to do my brake boost reprogram and he indicated that they never seem to go back together the same way they came apart.

I had a similar experience with a dealer replacing a flawed windshield. After many complaints up the chain they did make it right, but why did the dealer not catch the shotty work and make it right without me having to do a detailed inspection. Crazy

I wish I knew how critical a safety issue this really is. I am not certain I will have it done for this very reason. Ford's been building side curtain airbags for how long now, did they really make that big of a mistake on a production vehicle airbag system. Blissfully ignoring this one for now.

 

[hand-filer]

I spoke to a tech that came out to do my brake boost reprogram and he indicated that they never seem to go back together the same way they came apart.

The trim 100% goes back together correctly if removed correctly. I have firsthand experience with the process. It's not that difficult.

 

[Bigmess]

Yeah that’s ridiculous, I’m not going to get mine done. I’ll keep the way it is until I sell it and then let the dealer worry about it.

 

[stemplar]

I should have waited but I needed an oil change anyway, so I scheduled the fix and it was done today. Dealer admitted that today they did their first 3 of them. My B pillar molding where it meets the ceiling cloth was left with stress marks in the plastic, was not able to be properly snapped into place (leaving an gap and an exposed tab) and they left greasy finger prints in many places. I examined before driving away and reported it to them. They would have let me drive away. The service manager immediately told me he’ll order replacement molding and have his detail guy clean the ceiling (after he tried with brown paper towel roll and spray upholstery cleaner). It will have to go back after they order the molding piece. I also think the oh shit handle is not as firm as it was and there’s a gap you can see daylight brought that there was not before. Pretty minor but I don’t think I’m being petty at all. It’s just not ok.

It sucks that this happened to you. As others pointed out, don't despair because this is very fixable.

Unfortunately, this crap happens all over the place. I had a new BMW that needed the sunroof cassette replaced and they gave the car back with damage not unlike this. It's been several years since, but the three things that I remember are: (1) I shouldn't have gotten my car back like that, (2) the service manager gave me attitude like I was asking for freebies or some such, and (3) they begrudgingly went about making it right and they did just that.

It's unfortunate, but politely and firmly hold them accountable and trust that they'll make it right.

 

[Barry Johnson]

I had my 2024 Ranger done last Friday, the mechanic did a clean job, no smudges etc. The only thing I noticed is both B pillar covers seem a bit looser and the rubber moulding in spots wasn't entirely smoothed out. The driver's side has those two telltale light shadows in the plastic were I assume they pried them off, as in original post. Only one side though.

Appears they pulled the a-pillars off as same situation there, just seem a bit looser.

My thought is this is a function of their being plastic with integrated plastic tabs that once they flex they may not be exactly the same or right regardless of the mechanics care

I did go back to the dealers rep and mentioned the mechanic did clean work but shared those concerns, flax Mark on b pillar and their being loose. Dealer is going back to Ford to see if they will replace with new.

Not terrible by any means, but not exactly like it was prior to removal. Your mileage may vary. Will update when the Dealer gets back to me.

 

[purdyd]

I spoke to a tech that came out to do my brake boost reprogram and he indicated that they never seem to go back together the same way they came apart.

I had a similar experience with a dealer replacing a flawed windshield. After many complaints up the chain they did make it right, but why did the dealer not catch the shotty work and make it right without me having to do a detailed inspection. Crazy

I wish I knew how critical a safety issue this really is. I am not certain I will have it done for this very reason. Ford's been building side curtain airbags for how long now, did they really make that big of a mistake on a production vehicle airbag system. Blissfully ignoring this one for now.

Technically the Ranger passed the test, but the right hand side barely passed.

being less than a millimeter away from failing.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/ctr/2025/226-2400643-TEST.pdf

i think it is pretty amazing that ford moved so quickly on this.

we tend to think of comapnies as this large monolithic timeless thing but in the end it is made up of people who come and go and is constantly evolving. As are the vehicles themselves.

I bet this recall is a hard lesson learned for Ford and I can just imagine it being recited in many a design review years to come.

 

[jrRaptor]

I've taken my pillar trim off multiple times for wire routing and to install sound deadening on the roof. Went back together just fine for me and I'm not a tech. It's all about who does the work and how dedicated they are to getting it right. So it's going to depend on the type of employees the dealership hires and how much the tech cares about their work.

I've gotten the grease smudges and extra dents enough times in my life that I avoid dealerships at all costs. For a business model that makes so much of their profit on service, you'd think dealerships would make sure their service visits are exemplary, making you want to come back often.

I seriously wish I could perform the recall myself and have it documented that it was fixed.

 

[Meatbag]

This would piss me off too. I went in to get the brake boost recall done a week ago and it all went smoothly as far as I know. I got the letter in the mail regarding the side aribag recall that affects all rangers and I've decided I'll roll the dice and not get this one done. I don't want them effing up my truck.

 

[GLW]

I should have waited but I needed an oil change anyway, so I scheduled the fix and it was done today. Dealer admitted that today they did their first 3 of them. My B pillar molding where it meets the ceiling cloth was left with stress marks in the plastic, was not able to be properly snapped into place (leaving an gap and an exposed tab) and they left greasy finger prints in many places. I examined before driving away and reported it to them. They would have let me drive away. The service manager immediately told me he’ll order replacement molding and have his detail guy clean the ceiling (after he tried with brown paper towel roll and spray upholstery cleaner). It will have to go back after they order the molding piece. I also think the oh shit handle is not as firm as it was and there’s a gap you can see daylight brought that there was not before. Pretty minor but I don’t think I’m being petty at all. It’s just not ok.

Just an FYI. I scheduled my recall work for early December to give a little more “learning time” for the techs and while I was talking to the service agent I asked if they would install sound deadening to the roof since they would be pulling the headliner anyway. He said no problem if I provided the material. He did tell me they may have to charge me a little bit depending how long it takes them.

I installed deadening to my doors and rear bulkhead earlier and wanted to add sound deadening to my roof but just couldn’t bring myself to pull the liner. So far everything I’ve done with this Ford shop has been great. So, we’ll see.

 

[superj]

/\ thats great news. i wonder if mine would do that kind of stuff? i be they would since they install level and lift kits if a person brings them in

 

[TerryRHan]

Had my recall done yesterday. Took the tech 1 hour and 15 minutes. Except for a couple fingerprints on the inside of the windshield and a tool they left on the floor in the back, I can't tell they were in my truck. And I looked it over quite well. I stopped back to drop the tool off and the advisor said they have a tech that does a lot of interior work and is quite good. As others have mentioned, appears it has a lot to do with the technician's skill level and their care for your vehicle.

 

[BuenaRaptor]

Just took mine in this morning and it only took 2 hours! Y’all had me scared.

 

[LeeHo]

Took mine in for the recall. Dont know who the tech was but they really f- ed it up! When i picked it up I was in a hurry to get to a business appointment but noticed right away the cover above rear view mirror housing the front camera was misaligned and bent. About a mile down the road my dash lit up like a christmas tree. Most likely the camera inside that housing was hit or moved since all the faults associated with that camera (crash avoidance, adaptive cruse and more) were lighting up my dash. I can only hope it's just the camera and not any other electronics. They are taking care of it but had to order a new cover. What a pain in the "A".

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