NHTSA safety recall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Ford recall: The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard

Recall published 1+ years ago

The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

The hazard: Airbag or restraint defect

This campaign concerns the airbag or restraint system, which only matters in a crash — and is therefore easy to postpone and expensive to postpone.

What the notice says: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Why it matters: The airbag or its inflator may not deploy correctly, may deploy without a crash, or may send fragments into the cabin when it fires. The system is meant to be the last line of protection, so a fault in it is only discovered at the worst possible moment.

Recall details

Recall number
24V852000
Published
November 8, 2024
Risk level
NHTSA safety recall
Status
Open safety recall
Issued by
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Brand
Ford
Product type
Equipment
Distribution
Nationwide
Vehicles
Ford Explorer · Lincoln Aviator
Lot / code info
NHTSA campaign number 24V852000

Products covered by this recall

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Vehicles in this campaign

Check your product

The notice names 7 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Vehicle

Match this against the make and model on your registration.

  • Explorer
  • Lincoln Aviator
  • Escape
  • Lincoln Corsair
  • F-150
  • Expedition
  • Lincoln Navigator

Codes are lifted verbatim from the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Airbag

Ford — This campaign concerns the airbag or restraint system, which only matters in a crash — and is therefore easy to postpone and expensive to postpone.

  1. Treat this as a high-priority repair rather than something to fit around your next service.
  2. Do not fit seat covers or dashboard accessories over an airbag module while the campaign is open.
  3. Keep the repair order the dealer hands you. It is your proof the campaign was closed out, and it matters at resale.
  4. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you do anything else. A campaign covers a build range, not every car of that model year, and the VIN lookup is the only thing that confirms yours is included.

Costs, reimbursement and your rights

The repair itself is free. What people most often miss is that money already spent can frequently be claimed back.

  • If you paid for the same repair out of pocket before the recall was announced, ask the manufacturer for reimbursement. Carmakers must run a reimbursement plan for pre-notification repairs; you will need the original invoice.
  • If a dealer refuses the repair, delays it unreasonably or tries to bill you, complain to the manufacturer’s customer line, then to NHTSA. Those complaints are logged against the campaign.
  • An unrepaired open recall can affect a sale or trade-in. Closing it out costs nothing and protects the value of the vehicle.
  • Towing is normally covered where the vehicle is unsafe to drive, and loaner cars or rental reimbursement are often available on long parts delays. Neither is usually offered unless you ask.

Remedy named in the notice: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

Company contact: Ford Motor Company

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Ford equipment recalled?

The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

Treat this as a high-priority repair rather than something to fit around your next service.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

Does the repair cost me anything?

No. Safety recall repairs are performed free of charge at a franchised dealer for as long as the campaign is open, whether or not the vehicle is still under warranty.

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