A new Ford Bronco recall affects 2,711 vehicles from the 2026 model year over a side air curtain issue that could reduce occupant protection in a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says certain side airbags may tear during deployment, potentially causing them to deflate faster.
What’s Wrong With the 2026 Ford Bronco Airbags?
According to the NHTSA recall report, the affected Broncos have a metal bracket on the right-hand side of the side air curtain that may contain a metal burr. That burr creates the potential for the side air curtain to tear when deployed.
“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,” the report states.
The report adds that a tear could cause faster curtain deflation, potentially increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
The 2,711 affected 2026 Ford Broncos were produced between June 27, 2026, and July 26, 2026. A production layout change by the supplier contributed to the airbag fault.
As of August 18, 2026, Ford was not aware of any warranty claims, field reports or customer reports associated with the condition. The automaker also had no reports of related accidents or injuries.
What Bronco Owners Need to Do
Ford is expected to have the recall remedy available in October 2026. Once it becomes available, the automaker will notify affected owners. Interim letters were expected to have been sent on September 15, 2026, to inform owners about the safety risk.
Owners of affected Broncos will need to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer. Technicians will increase the space between the bracket and the airbag to eliminate the contact condition, and the repair will be completed at no charge to customers.
Owners seeking additional information can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Vehicle identification numbers covered by the recall can also be searched on the NHTSA website.
2026 Ford Bronco Has Nine Recalls
The latest airbag recall brings the 2026 Ford Bronco’s total to nine recalls as Ford continues its plan to proactively address safety issues and improve quality.
- Bracket may tear side curtain airbag: 2,711 vehicles — September 9, 2026
- Improperly manufactured pistons may fail: 1,062 vehicles — August 25, 2026
- Engine compartment fire: 565,691 vehicles — July 20, 2026
- Fender flare may detach: 36,046 vehicles — June 24, 2026
- Loss of drive power from engine failure: 408 vehicles — May 27, 2026
- Incorrect tire and weight capacity information: 196 vehicles — May 26, 2026
- Loose bolt in front seat frame: 117,443 vehicles — April 28, 2026
- Rearview camera image may not display: 528,168 vehicles — March 3, 2026
- Instrument panel display failure: 101,002 vehicles — November 14, 2025
The largest recall listed involved an engine compartment fire and affected 2021 to 2026 Bronco and Bronco Raptor models. It was linked to a wiring harness that could become damaged and short circuit.
Ford’s Vehicle Quality Efforts
Despite the number of recalls involving the Ford Bronco, 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 Toyota, Honda and Mazda.
Ford’s stated goal is to mirror this standard of quality beyond the early ownership period, while the latest recall addresses the identified side airbag issue affecting a specific group of 2026 Broncos.
