2021-2022 Ford Bronco Airbags May Not Deploy As Intended

Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles because of a manufacturing error affecting the side impact air bag sensors. The problem could cause the air bags to unintentionally deploy or not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury to occupants during an accident.

Ford became aware of the problem in May 2022 when Ford's Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) initiated an investigation after receiving a report of a left hand side impact sensor that was not properly attached to a 2021 model year Bronco. The vehicle had been brought in for service unrelated to the sensor problem.

Ford’s assembly plant quality records show that the suspect vehicle was identified as having an improper side impact sensor assembly. The CCRG investigation determined that the vehicle concern appeared to have been closed by plant personnel without completing the inspection and repair for a missing side impact sensor stud. Ninety-two (92) U.S. vehicles have been inspected for the incorrect side impact sensor assembly or missing sensor mounting studs and two (2) vehicles have been found with a missing or incorrect side impact sensor stud. Ford will be recalling approximately 1,226, 2021-2022 Ford Bronco vehicles.

According to the defect report, the affected vehicles may have a right hand and / or left hand side impact sensor that is not properly secured to the vehicle. An unsecured side impact sensor may not properly detect certain side impact accidents. These incorrect readings could cause the are bags to unintentionally deploy or not deploy when intended.

Dealers will inspect the side impact sensor attachments and replace them as necessary. Ford's number for this recall is 22S77 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-928.