Ford's Recall Bug Bites The Ranger
Ford is recalling more than 100,000 Ranger pickups built from the 2024 to 2026 model years over a defect with the side curtain airbags that could compromise occupant protection in a crash.
Key Points
- Ford is recalling 2024–2026 Ranger pickups because side curtain airbags may tear on the B-pillar reinforcement during deployment, risking reduced protection.
- The recall affects compliance with federal ejection mitigation standards, though no crashes or injuries have been reported.
- Dealers will install protective shields free of charge, with owner notifications beginning September 8, 2025, and a final remedy expected by December 2025.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the airbags could contact the B-pillar reinforcement during deployment, causing a tear in the airbag material—putting the vehicles out of compliance with federal ejection mitigation standards. 100% of the captured recall population is affected by the defect.
The automaker says the fix involves installing protective shields on affected vehicles, with all repairs carried out free of charge.
According to NHTSA documents, an Ejection Mitigation audit test was performed in June on a 2025 model year Ranger;—the test was conducted at a third-party facility on behalf of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The vehicle passed the compliance test; however, the right-hand side airbag was close to the tolerance limit. Ford removed the side and air curtains from the vehicle and identified a 12mm slit on the RH curtain near the top of the cushion, rearward of the B-pillar trim.
After studying the B-pillar surface and side curtain airbag packaging, Ford conducted new deployment tests and determined that the cause of the issue was an interaction of the airbag with the B-pillar inner reinforcement flange, which could cause a tear and premature pressure loss.
Interim letters will be mailed to owners beginning September 8, 2025, warning of the risk. A second round of letters with details on the final remedy is expected in December 2025. Ford is not aware of any reports of accidents or injury related to the recall.
This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.
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