Recall 25V541 affects 100,900 2024-2026 Ford Ranger trucks for side curtain air bags that can tear. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 100,900 2024-2026 Ranger trucks because the side curtain air bags can contact the B-Pillar inner reinforcements and tear during deployment. Air bags that deploy improperly in a crash increase the risk of injury, and Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The side curtain air bag in a 2024-2026 Ford Ranger is the air bag that deploys down along the side windows during a crash. It is designed to inflate quickly, cover the window area, and help keep occupants from moving toward the opening.
On affected Ranger trucks, the inflating air bag cushion can hit the B-pillar inner reinforcement flange. The B-pillar is the vertical body structure between the front and rear doors. If the cushion catches that metal edge during deployment, it can tear and lose pressure too early. That tear means the air bag does not provide the ejection-mitigation protection required by the safety standard.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem happens only when the side curtain air bag deploys, so an owner would not see a dashboard warning or feel a change while driving.
Who's affected?
The same right-side curtain air bag module assembly is listed across the 2024, 2025, and 2026 Ranger years.
| 2025 Ford Ranger | side curtain air bag |
|---|---|
| 2024 Ford Ranger | side curtain air bag |
| 2026 Ford Ranger | side curtain air bag |
| Units affected | 100,900 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, an air bag that deploys improperly increases the risk of injury. There is no warning sign before the problem appears, so confirm your VIN and schedule the repair soon if included. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2026 Ford Ranger is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free protective-shield repair that shields the side curtain air bags from the B-Pillar reinforcement during deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V541 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to confirm parts availability before you drive in, and confirm that parts and labor are covered.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician installs protective shields to keep the side curtain air bags from contacting the B pillar inner reinforcements during deployment. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Ford's standard reimbursement plan applies to documented expenses for related repairs paid before the recall notice. If you already paid out of pocket for a related air bag repair, bring documentation to the service desk or contact Ford customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 22, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 25, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| August 25, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 29, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 8, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 26, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V541?
Recall 25V541 covers 100,900 2024-2026 Ford Ranger vehicles with side curtain air bags that can contact the B-pillar inner reinforcements and tear during deployment. The defect fails Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 226 for ejection mitigation, and Ford dealers will install protective shields for free.
What should I do if my 2024-2026 Ford Ranger is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Ranger is included in recall 25V541. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule installation of the protective shields. Reference Ford recall number 25C41 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford dealers will install the protective shields free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is improper side curtain air bag deployment during a crash. If the air bag tears on the B-pillar reinforcement, it increases the risk of injury. Ford's free repair adds protective shields so the air bags deploy as designed.
What if I bought my Ford Ranger used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If Ford did not mail you a notice, check your VIN and use recall 25V541 or Ford recall number 25C41 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V541000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V541 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V541000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →