NHTSA Complaint #11466588 — 2007 LINCOLN MKX

I purchased the vehicle a few months ago from a small used dealership in Anderson, SC. The seller/owner raved about the condition of the car and all seemed well until after the purchase when I discovered there was an Open Recall for the driver's airbag. However, when I contacted the local Ford dealership and the NHTSA website I found there is "No Remedy" available from Ford. According to various websites, I find that the risk factor is listed as RED due to the extreme temp variation and perpetual humidity in South Carolina, but some state is getting these replacement bags, though not here. We do not have a garage or carport so the car is outside and subject to all the variations constantly. I can find no means of notifying Ford that I am the new owner of this VIN so will never receive the mandated mail notification. I am elderly and do not believe I should have to wait until there is an explosion in order to get some action. Takata cannot be the only manufacturer of airbags. My vehicle needs to be made safe NOW and not THEN. Somehow I would bet that a bag is available if I were able to afford it on my own.