Legally reviewed by: Chuck Panzarella, JD

In response to a safety concern, Ford Motor Company has submitted a Safety Recall Report (23V-847) to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), detailing a potential defect in certain vehicle models. The recall, submitted on December 15, 2023, encompasses a substantial number of vehicles, raising awareness about a safety issue related to the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) and its impact on airbag deployment.

The report, identified by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control No.: 2127-0004, outlines critical details regarding the recall. Ford has reported a total of 17,970 vehicles that may be affected, prompting a comprehensive examination of the Steering Column Control Module.

Description of the Ford Airbag Defect

The Ford airbag defect involves an insufficient weld between the bus bar and ribbon cable within the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM). The ribbon cable is a crucial component that is responsible for the connectivity of the driver airbag.

An inadequate weld can cause the ribbon cable circuits to disconnect, resulting in a loss of electrical connection to the driver’s front airbag. This will cause the airbag warning light to show and the driver airbag will not deploy as intended, which increases the risk of an injury during a crash.

Which Ford Vehicles Are Affected by the Airbag Recall?

Two primary Ford models are affected by the recall:

• 2023 Ford F-150: 9,281 vehicles with production dates between January 03, 2023, and June 15, 2023.
• 2023 Ford Super Duty (F250, F350, F450, F550, F600): 7,709 vehicles produced between January 06, 2023, and August 02, 2023.

Owners of these vehicles can expect to receive a notification letter from Ford starting January 8, 2024.

Warning Signs of a Defective Airbag in Recalled Ford Vehicles

There are a couple of warning signs that drivers can watch out for regarding the defective airbag:

• Loss of illumination and function of steering wheel switches (e.g. radio controls)
• Inoperative horn
• Illumination of the airbag warning lamp

Owners experiencing any one of these symptoms should take their vehicle to the nearest Ford or Lincoln dealer to have their steering wheel clock spring inspected. The qualified mechanic will be able to replace it with a better part at no charge.

What Should Owners of Affected Ford Vehicles Do?

Owners of affected Ford vehicles can take their Ford to a Ford or Lincoln dealer and have the steering wheel clock spring production date inspected. If the dealer finds that the date falls within the production dates for the recalled component, they will replace it free of charge.

Ford will also provide reimbursement for owners who paid for the repairs prior to the recall notification date in May 2023. The estimated ending date for the reimbursement eligibility is January 5, 2024.

Do You Own A Defective Ford Vehicle? Contact Consumer Action Law Group For Help

If you own a Ford vehicle that is defective, you may be driving a lemon car. A lemon car is a vehicle that has mechanical defects that the dealer or manufacturer is unable to fix after multiple repair attempts. If you own a lemon car, you may be eligible for compensation under the California Lemon Law.

Consumer Action Law Group helps consumers who own lemon cars get compensation under the lemon law such as a refund or a replacement vehicle. When you contact our firm, our experienced legal team will be able to tell you if you have a case or not. Contact the Consumer Action Law Group today for your free consultation.