What year did Ford Broncos get airbags?
Airbags began appearing on Ford Bronco models in the mid-1990s, with driver airbags offered as an option around 1994–1995 and broader availability by the end of the decade; today’s 2021–present Bronco comes with multiple airbags as standard.
This article traces the safety upgrade across the Bronco lineup, from its original 1966 launch through the late-1990s adoption of airbags, to the modern revival that features contemporary airbag systems. It looks at how safety technology evolved with generations and what current Broncos offer in terms of protection.
Historical overview of airbags in the Bronco line
Understanding when airbags appeared in Bronco models requires looking at the broader safety push and how it touched Ford's trucks. The earliest Broncos did not include airbags, and later generations adopted airbags as Ford gradually rolled out this technology across its lineup.
Original Broncos (1966–1996): safety features before airbags
The first-generation Bronco and later pre‑1997 iterations were built before airbags were common in passenger vehicles. These early models relied on conventional safety equipment of the time and did not include factory-installed airbags as standard or options for much of their production run.
Milestones in Bronco airbag adoption
- 1994–1995: Driver-side airbags began appearing on Ford light trucks and Broncos that shared the platform with these trucks, marking the first forays into airbag technology for the Bronco lineage.
- Late 1990s: Optional side airbags and multi‑airbag systems started to appear on higher trims or in market-specific configurations as safety regulations and manufacturing capabilities progressed.
- Late 1990s to early 2000s: Airbag coverage expanded across more model years and trims, with dual front airbags becoming more common and side-curtain options expanding in availability.
In this era, airbag availability varied by year, trim level, and market, reflecting Ford’s gradual rollout of this new safety technology across its entire truck family, including the Bronco.
Modern Broncos: 2021–present
The 2021 revival of the Ford Bronco brought the model into the era of modern safety systems. Today’s Broncos come with more comprehensive airbag protection as standard equipment and with additional airbag coverage on higher trims and safety packages.
What current Broncos offer in terms of airbags
In the current generation, Ford equips the Bronco with multiple airbags as standard, including front airbags and side airbags. Higher trims and option packages may include additional protection such as curtain airbags to improve rollover and side-impact protection. This reflects the industry-wide shift toward more complete occupant protection across all vehicle classes.
Summary
Airbags were first offered on the Ford Bronco in the mid-1990s as an option and became more widely available through the late 1990s. The modern Bronco (2021–present) includes robust airbag coverage as standard, aligning with contemporary safety expectations. Across its history, the Bronco mirrors Ford’s broader safety trajectory—from no airbags in the earliest models to comprehensive systems in today’s vehicles.
When did Ford Broncos get airbags?
In 1992, 3-point safety belts were added for rear seat passengers, while 4-wheel anti-lock brakes became available in 1993. An airbag was added to the steering wheel in 1994.
What year is Bronco to stay away from?
You should avoid the 2021 and 2022 Ford Broncos due to numerous recalls and quality issues, especially with the hard tops. For classic Broncos, 1988 is a year to avoid because of electrical problems, and 1993 had issues with recalls, parking brakes, and transfer cases.
This video discusses reasons to avoid buying a Ford Bronco, including recalls and quality issues: 53sMaie HavenYouTube · Apr 23, 2025
Modern Ford Broncos (2021-Present)
- 2021 and 2022: These initial model years are associated with numerous recalls and quality complaints, particularly related to the hard top, engine, and various interior and exterior fit-and-finish problems.
Classic Ford Broncos
- 1988: This model year had a problematic electrical system.
- 1993: This year was plagued with recalls, including fire risks, parking brake issues, and problems with the transfer case slipping out of gear.
- 1980-1982: These models have a frame design with holes that can make it brittle and weak.
- 1990-1996: Many Broncos from this era can experience issues with the intake manifold gasket, leading to high engine idle, especially with high mileage.
This video discusses common problems in Ford Broncos: 59sExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Jul 4, 2025
What to consider instead
- Modern Broncos: Ford has addressed many of the initial issues in later models, so a 2024 or newer might be a better choice, although 2024 and 2025 models still had recalls for issues like improper fastener installation.
- Classic Broncos: Aim for the fifth generation (1992-1996) or later, as these models are generally more reliable and safer.
What year did Ford start using airbags?
Ford first offered airbags in the 1970s on experimental cars and began offering them as an option in the 1980s, but driver-side airbags became standard in some models like the F-250 in the early 1990s. They started to become more common and by 1990, 50% of Ford vehicles had them, and they were made standard on all passenger vehicles by 1998 due to federal law.
- 1970s: Ford built experimental cars with airbags and offered them to fleet customers.
- 1980s: Ford reintroduced airbags as an option on models like the Tempo.
- 1990: Driver-side airbags were offered on some trucks, like the 1990 F-250, and were standard on 50% of Ford vehicles.
- 1994: The Ford F-150 and light-duty F-250 models started to include a standard driver's-side airbag.
- 1998: Federal law mandated that all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. had dual frontal airbags.
Does a 1996 Ford Bronco have airbags?
After some safety concerns in earlier models, by 1996 there were more safety features in the Bronco than before like the seat belts for rear passengers and front airbags.
