Ford recalls Ranger vehicles in Australia and New Zealand over airbag issue

Ford has issued recalls for the Ranger model in Australia and New Zealand due to a potential issue with side curtain airbag deployment. The defect involves the B-pillar trim, which may interact with the airbags during inflation in a crash, potentially preventing intended deployment or causing the B-pillar ramp to detach and increase injury risks.

In Australia, nearly 14,000 vehicles built between late 2025 and mid-2026 are affected, with approximately 8,000 already in customer hands. In New Zealand, the recall involves 2,602 Double Cab models, of which roughly 900 have reached customers while the remainder are in dealer or transit stock.

Ford identified the issue through routine testing and has reported no known customer incidents related to this defect. The company is notifying owners via smartphone apps and will provide repairs at authorized dealers. In New Zealand, the fix is expected to be available starting in mid-September.