(October 17, 2012) Ford is recalling about 262,000 Fiesta subcompacts in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America, to fix a problem with the side airbags. Ford said 154,000 of the recalled vehicles are in the United States. The recall affects 2011-13 Fiestas built in Mexico from Nov. 3, 2009, to Sept. 21, 2012.

The automaker discovered the passenger-side airbag does not deploy in some crashes when the front passenger seat is empty, which fails to protect rear-seat passengers.

Ford said it was not aware of any deaths or injuries caused by the problem, which was discovered after investigating an accident in Canada in which the driver was the only passenger and the passenger-side airbag did not deploy.

Dealers will update the restraint control module that controls the side air bag so it inflates even if the passenger seat is empty. Ford said customers will receive letters this week.

Source: Automotive News