Ford recalls over 953,000 cars to replace Takata airbags

Passengers and drivers are being warned the Takata passenger air bag inflators can explode and hurl shrapnel.

A Ford Motor Company logo on a vehicle. Source: AAP

Ford is recalling more than 953,000 vehicles worldwide to replace Takata passenger air bag inflators that can explode and hurl shrapnel.

The move includes 782,000 vehicles in the US and is part of the largest series of recalls in US history.

Included are the 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, the 2010 and 2011 Ford Ranger, the 2010 to 2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, the 2010 and 2011 Mercury Milan, and the 2010 to 2014 Ford Mustang.

Some of the recalls may be limited to specific geographic areas of the US

At least 23 people have been killed worldwide by the inflators.

A pyro-electric wheel airbag initiator. Source: AAP

Ford says it doesn't know of any injuries in vehicles included in this recall. Dealers will replace the inflators.

Takata uses the chemical ammonium nitrate to create an explosion to inflate air bags.

But it can deteriorate over time due to heat and humidity and explode with too much force, blowing apart a metal canister designed to contain the explosion.

Takata recalls are being phased in through 2020.