Recall 15V322 affects 362,327 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks for passenger air bag inflators at risk of rupture. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 362,327 2004-2006 Ranger trucks because moisture can reach the passenger frontal air bag inflator and, over time, leave it vulnerable to rupture during deployment. In a crash that deploys that air bag, metal fragments can strike occupants and cause serious injury or death; Ford dealers will replace the inflator free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in the 2004-2006 Ford Ranger is the metal canister inside the airbag module on the passenger side of the dashboard. In a crash, the inflator is supposed to create gas quickly so the airbag fills between the passenger and the front of the truck. The system depends on that inflator staying sealed and stable until it is needed.
On affected Ranger trucks, the passenger-side inflator is susceptible to moisture intrusion. Moisture inside the inflator changes the condition it was designed to operate in. Over time, that moisture exposure can make the inflator rupture when the airbag deploys, instead of controlling the inflation event as intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. The truck can look and drive normally, and the airbag warning light is not listed as an owner warning for this recall.
Who's affected?
Covers 3 Ranger model years with the same passenger-side front air bag inflator module.
| 2005 Ford Ranger | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2004 Ford Ranger | front air bag |
| 2006 Ford Ranger | front air bag |
| Units affected | 362,327 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash that deploys the passenger frontal air bag, the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death. Confirm with your VIN, and schedule the repair soon if recall 15V322 applies. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2006 Ford Ranger is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free front passenger air bag inflator replacement that fixes the moisture-related rupture risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V322 when you call.
- Avoid carrying a front-seat passenger until the inflator replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the front passenger air bag inflator covered by this recall. Parts and labor are free under the recall, and the remedy is available now. The work addresses the inflator that can rupture after moisture intrusion over time. Ford excludes a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program provides a free repair for this concern. If you have prior paperwork for this air bag repair, ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 28, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 28, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| May 28, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 13, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 4, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V322?
Recall 15V322 covers 362,327 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks with a front passenger air bag inflator that can rupture after moisture intrusion. If the passenger air bag deploys in a crash, metal fragments can strike occupants and cause serious injury or death. Ford dealers replace the inflator for free.
What should I do if my 2004-2006 Ford Ranger is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V322. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the front passenger air bag inflator replacement. Reference Ford recall number 15S22 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford will replace the front passenger air bag inflator free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer. This applies regardless of where you bought the truck.
Is it safe to drive my Ford Ranger before the air bag repair?
Recall 15V322 does not include a do-not-drive instruction. The stated risk is during a crash requiring passenger frontal air bag deployment: the inflator can rupture, send metal fragments into occupants, and cause serious injury or death. Schedule the free Ford dealer repair as soon as you confirm your VIN is included.
What if I bought my Ford Ranger used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. If Ford never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Ranger is included in recall 15V322, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall number 15S22.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V322000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V322 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V322000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →