Ford Recalls 100,000+ Ranger Trucks Over Airbag Safety Concerns

According to a report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 100,900 of its 2024-2026 model year Ranger trucks due to a potential issue with the side curtain airbags not meeting federal safety standards. The affected vehicles were manufactured between December 9, 2022, and July 29, 2025. The recall addresses a defect where the side curtain airbags may not meet the displacement requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 226, which is designed for ejection mitigation. Vehicles failing to comply with this standard could increase the risk of injury during a crash.

The issue stems from the interaction between the inflating side curtain airbag cushion and the B-pillar inner reinforcement flange. This interaction can reportedly cause a tear in the airbag and lead to a premature loss of pressure. Ford has indicated that there are no warning signals that would alert drivers to this potential defect. The company’s investigation into the matter began in June 2025 after an audit test on a 2025 Ranger revealed that the right-hand side curtain airbag displacement result was very close to the FMVSS limit. Subsequent examination of the vehicle identified a small slit on the right-hand curtain. Further testing and analysis by Ford confirmed the interaction with the B-pillar as the root cause. Ford has stated that it is unaware of any warranty claims, field reports, or customer service reports related to this specific concern, and there have been no reported accidents or injuries associated with this condition.

Ford plans to notify owners of the affected vehicles by mail. Owners will be advised to take their Ranger trucks to a Ford or Lincoln dealership to have a protective shield installed. This shield will be placed between the side curtain airbag and the inner sheet metal for both the right and left side airbags. The company states that this repair will be performed at no cost to the customer and will ensure that the side curtain airbags meet FMVSS 226 requirements. While Ford is not aware of any issues with the current production, the remedy for affected vehicles involves this protective shield installation.

The recall process is scheduled to begin with dealer notifications on August 25, 2025. Interim owner notifications are expected to be mailed between September 8 and September 12, 2025. The official remedy owner notification letters are slated to be sent out from December 19 to December 27, 2025. Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for the recalled trucks will be searchable starting August 25, 2025, allowing owners to check if their specific vehicle is part of this recall. Ford is using a general reimbursement plan for any expenses incurred by owners related to this recall, should they have already addressed the issue. Ford advises owners of affected vehicles not to drive the vehicle and to park it outside.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Ford Motor Company.

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