The Ford Bronco is one of the toughest vehicles produced by the Blue Oval, but some examples of the SUV may not protect occupants adequately in a crash due to a newly identified airbag fault. This has led to a recall published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with over 2,500 Broncos from the 2026 model year affected. The good news? Ford isn’t aware of any injuries or accidents involving the fault, so the issue has been identified before any known customer was affected. Still, as with any airbag fault, owners of 2026 Broncos should take the recall seriously.
What’s Wrong With The Bronco’s Airbags?
According to the NHTSA’s recall report, certain side airbags could tear when deployed, reducing the level of protection for occupants.
“On affected vehicles, the metal bracket on the right-hand side (RHS) side air curtain (SAC) may have a metal burr, creating the potential for a tear upon deployment of the side air curtain,” states the report. “This tear in the SAC may cause faster curtain deflation. A tear in the side air curtain (SAC) during deployment may cause faster curtain deflation, potentially increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.”
A total of 2,711 Ford Broncos from the 2026 model year are impacted by the recall, and these were produced between June 27, 2026, and July 26, 2026. A production layout change by the supplier contributed to the airbag fault in these vehicles.
As of August 18, 2026, Ford was not aware of any warranty claims, field reports, or customer reports linked to this condition. No related accidents or injuries were reported either.
What Owners Must Do Now
Ford
When the remedy becomes available, which is anticipated in October 2026, Ford will notify owners. Interim letters were expected to have been sent out on September 15, 2026, notifying owners of the safety risk.
These Bronco owners will need to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer, where the space between the bracket and airbag will be increased to eliminate the contact condition. This will be done at no charge to customers.
Anyone who wants more information about this recall can contact Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Vehicle identification numbers involved in this recall are now searchable on the NHTSA’s site, too.
2026 Ford Bronco Already Up To Nine Recalls
Ford
The 2026 Ford Bronco has now been recalled nine times as Ford continues its plan to proactively address safety issues and improve quality. Here’s an overview of all the recalls for the 2026 Bronco.
|
Recall |
Bronco Models Affected (including, but not limited to, 2026 models) |
Date |
|
Bracket may tear side curtain airbag |
2,711 |
September 9, 2026 |
|
Improperly manufactured pistons may fail |
1,062 |
August 25, 2026 |
|
Engine compartment fire |
565,691 |
July 20, 2026 |
|
Fender flare may detach |
36,046 |
June 24, 2026 |
|
Loss of drive power from engine failure |
408 |
May 27, 2026 |
|
Incorrect tire and weight capacity information |
196 |
May 26, 2026 |
|
Loose bolt in front seat frame |
117,443 |
April 28, 2026 |
|
Rearview camera image may not display |
528,168 |
March 3, 2026 |
|
Instrument panel display failure |
101,002 |
November 14, 2025 |
The engine compartment fire recall was the largest and affected 2021 to 2026 Bronco and Bronco Raptor models. This was linked to a wiring harness that could become damaged and short circuit.
Despite the high number of recalls for one of the best Ford SUVs, the automaker has made great strides in initial vehicle quality this year. Ford was the top-ranked mass-market brand in a recent JD Power study, with fewer new-vehicle problems than brands like Toyota, Honda, and Mazda. Ford’s goal is now to mirror this standard of quality beyond the early ownership period.
Related: Over Half-a-Million Ford Broncos Recalled Due to Engine Bay Fire Concerns
