The advanced trac light stayed on all the time. Took to Ford dealer and costed 100.00 to check light, they said was restraint control module, it affected brakes, advanced trac, air bags and anti-tip over device. The vehicle only had 3500 miles on it. The part is rediculously priced!! 650.00 is outrageous!!!
2011 Ford Ranger airbags problems
severe 194 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
194
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
6crashes
6injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 194 airbags complaints filed for the 2011 Ford Ranger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Airbags accounts for 83% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 194 airbags complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2011 Ranger has a persistent Takata airbag inflator defect spanning both passenger and driver sides, with massive delays in recall parts availability lasting 12–18+ months—leaving owners unable to safely transport passengers or drive with a known hazard. Beyond the recall chaos, occasional airbag electrical gremlins and one documented deployment failure suggest the system overall is unreliable on these trucks.
The overwhelming majority of 2011 Ranger airbag complaints center on Takata inflator recalls (16V384000, 19V001000, 21V158000) that have dragged on for years with no parts in stock. Owners filed complaints in 2016 and were still waiting in 2020—some 14+ months in—with dealers and Ford unable or unwilling to provide a delivery timeline. The Takata supplier filed bankruptcy mid-recall, compounding the mess.
Owners describe dealer communication breakdowns: some dealers took information multiple times and claimed they'd order parts, then denied any record of the call; one owner's appointment was cancelled three times; another found the dealer had submitted false paperwork claiming the repair was complete when bolts and panels were never touched. Ford initially told some owners not to allow passengers in the front seat until parts arrived, rendering two-seat trucks unusable. In remote areas like Juneau, Alaska, Ford refused to authorize independent shops, leaving owners stranded.
A handful of cases report warning lights illuminating while driving, requiring module replacement. One owner's driver-side airbag had already deployed in a low-speed collision; the dealer refused the free recall work, claiming the owner would be charged because the bag was already deployed. Another owner discovered unsecured fasteners on the airbag panel after recall service and received no follow-up from the manufacturer. One documented non-deployment in a 25 mph collision at 100,606 miles, though the vehicle was totaled before diagnosis.
Same Ford Ranger airbags reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator - Delayed Recall Remedy
Owners received recall notifications (16V384000, 19V001000, 21V158000) for defective Takata passenger-side airbag inflators that could rupture and send metal fragments into occupants if deployed. Repair parts were not available for extended periods—some owners waited 14+ months with no resolution timeline from manufacturer or dealers. Multiple dealers confirmed parts unavailable and could not provide estimated delivery dates.
When: Recall notices issued June 2016 through March 2021; complaints filed through 2020 with gaps of 6 months to 18+ months between notice and repair availability
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag warning indicator illuminated; Owner unable to schedule recall appointment due to parts shortage; Repeated dealer calls yielding no parts availability or status; Manufacturers (Ford, Takata/TK Holdings) unable or unwilling to commit to repair timeline; Some dealers provided conflicting information; other dealers in remote areas (Alaska) refused to perform work
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V384000, NHTSA Campaign 19V001000, NHTSA Campaign 21V158000, Recall 16S26, Recall 19S01
Repairs/costs cited: Owners reported dealer and manufacturer communication failures: some dealers claimed parts were on order but never arrived; TK Holdings (airbag supplier) filed bankruptcy mid-recall; one owner found dealer submitted false paperwork claiming repair was completed when inspection revealed bolts missing and structural components untouched. Repair is free parts and labor under recall. One case involved dealer charging owner for airbag replacement after owner's prior crash deployment.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued recall letters directing owners to dealerships; some included advisories not to allow passengers in front seat until repair (complaint #6, #14). Ford refused to authorize independent shops in areas without Ford dealers (Alaska case #5). Takata/TK Holdings filed bankruptcy; some owners received bankruptcy notification postcard. Ford refused loaner vehicle while waiting for parts in some cases. No effective remedy for unavailable parts.
Driver-Side Takata Airbag Inflator - Delayed Recall Remedy
Later recalls (21V158000, issued March 2021) identified driver-side Takata inflators as also defective. Owners reported same delay pattern as passenger-side repairs—parts unavailable months after notification, manufacturers unable to provide timelines. One owner who had already suffered a low-speed deer-strike deployment was refused recall repair by dealer because airbag was deployed.
When: Recall 21V158000 issued March 2021; complaints through mid-2021
Symptoms owners cite: Air bag warning light illuminated while driving; Owner received recall notification but no parts available; Subsequent recall notice indicated driver-side also affected; One owner's airbag deployed in low-speed collision (20 mph deer strike) at 235,000 miles; dealer refused to complete recall due to prior deployment
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V158000
Repairs/costs cited: One case: owner dropped vehicle for recall appointment but was later told parts still unavailable. Another case: owner had crash-deployed driver airbag; dealer claimed owner would be charged for replacement because airbag was already deployed, making owner ineligible for free recall remedy.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued recall notifications but parts not available within reasonable timeframe. Dealer attempted to shift repair cost to owner in case of prior deployment.
Airbag Warning Light Malfunction and Module Failure
Unrelated to Takata inflators, some owners reported air bag warning light illuminating while driving. Upon dealer diagnosis, they were told airbag system needed replacement. In one case, after initial replacement, the warning light reappeared; dealer stated system needed reset. Second occurrence led to airbag module replacement. System did not remain fixed after parts replacement.
When: Approximately 161,484 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Air bag warning light illuminated while driving at undisclosed speed; Warning light recurred after initial airbag replacement; Dealer diagnostic indicated module needed replacement on second failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle repaired with airbag replacement; failure recurred requiring system reset. Second service replaced airbag module. Repair was completed at local dealer.
Airbag Panel Fastener Improperly Secured After Recall Service
One owner brought 2011 Ranger in for recall service (19V001000). After returning vehicle, owner discovered tabs securing the passenger airbag panel were not sealed. Brought vehicle back; dealer sent mechanic but performed no repair. Dealer contacted manufacturer who said they would order replacement part, but owner never received status update.
When: 61,400 miles at time of recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag panel tabs not sealed after recall service; Dealer mechanic visited but did not perform repair; No follow-up communication from manufacturer
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 19V001000
Repairs/costs cited: Recall service completed at New Brighton Ford; panel fasteners left unsecured. Follow-up visit by mechanic yielded no repair. Part order pending from manufacturer with no status provided to owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer said they would place order for new part; no follow-up provided to owner.
Airbag Failure to Deploy in Collision
One owner reported crashing into another vehicle at approximately 25 mph. Airbags did not deploy. No warning lights before or after the collision. Vehicle was deemed totaled. Owner was not aware of any recalls at the time of the failure.
When: 100,606 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags did not deploy during 25 mph collision; No warning indicators illuminated before or after failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to independent mechanic and deemed totaled. No diagnosis or repair performed.
Synthesized from 194 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 15 most recent
Takata airbags I received a letter today (12/22/2017) from Ford informing me to not allow anyone to sit in the front passenger seat. This is a 2 seat pickup truck which means I can not use this vehicle with anyone but myself. How am I supposed to use this to transport family members ? This recall was issued on june of 2016 which is 18 months ago. Why is Ford being allowed to put off fixing a…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Ford ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v384000 (air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair as the recall notice was received over a year ago. The dealer (pioneer Ford, 150 us-27, bremen, ga 30110, (770)…
Takata recall have heard nothing from Ford in almost a year and a half and dealer where I bought the truck has been no help
Manufacturer has exceeded allotted time to remedy defect on my truck.
Takata recall. Ford told me they had replaced the driver side airbags and would start replacing passenger side airbags. That was 8 months ago. My passenger side airbags have not been replaced, so no one can travel in my car with me.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Ford ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v384000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair as the recall notice was received over a year ago. The dealer (athens Ford, 4260 atlanta hwy, athens, ga 30606, (706)-521-0778) was contacted and confirmed that…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Ford ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v384000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms…
Takata recall. In july 2016, I received safety recall notice 16s26 / NHTSA recall 16v-384. Several times I have called the local Ford service dept. And been told that parts are not available. It has been over 6 months since I received the recall notice. It is either a safety issue or not, safety is being compromized.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Ford ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v384000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms…
Had airbags trouble with your 2011 Ford Ranger?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2011 Ford Ranger?
It's a meaningful issue. 194 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 35 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 35,619 and 82,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,619; a quarter make it past 82,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Ford/Ranger.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.