Ford Fiesta recalled for airbag problem

A side curtain airbag problem has prompted Ford to recall Fiesta subcompacts from the 2011-2013 model years. The recall covers vehicles built between Nov. 2, 2009, and Sept. 21, 2012—a little more than 154,000 cars.

According to a report issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the passenger side curtain airbag in the recalled cars will not deploy in a side impact if the front passenger seat is vacant.

While Ford designed the airbag system to work in such a circumstance, the Fiesta's owner's manual didn't spell out the specifics. This means the cars are out of compliance with government safety standards.

Ford says that the fix involves a software update that enables the side curtain airbag even if the passenger seat is not occupied, bringing it in line with the owner's manual.

For more information, contact the NHTSA hotline at (888) 327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov and search for “Ford recall campaign No. 12C26.”

By Graham Kozak