2021 Ford Bronco Airbag Safety Problem

Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2021 Bronco SUVs because the passenger air bags in their vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for occupant crash protection.

In August 2021, an issue affecting the passenger airbag in certain 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles was brought to Ford’s Critical Concerns Review Group (CCRG) for review. The supplier informed Ford that a vent on the airbag had opened prematurely (prior to the micro gas-generator being activated) in some of their routine audit tests. Airbag lots with these test anomalies were quarantined, though the cause of the premature vent opening was unknown.

Further review of the supplier data found test anomalies were associated with bags folded by one of the six associates assigned to the airbag fold operation. It was subsequently observed that one associate began introducing an extra fold operation when they were reassigned to this fold operation in late June. The extra fold operation by this associate was not in accordance with design intent. Review of the supplier’s production records found that additional airbag lots that passed the supplier’s routine LAT test requirements also contained bags folded by this associate, but were not selected for the routine LAT audit test.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the passenger air bag replaced. Ford's number for this recall is 21C23 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-770.