NHTSA Opens Probe Into Ford Explorer Side Airbags

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun a preliminary investigation covering 1,236,155 Ford Explorer vehicles. The evaluation concerns seat-mounted side airbags that allegedly deployed accidentally and caused burn injuries. It covers certain 2021 through 2026 model-year Explorers, including Police Interceptor vehicles used by law enforcement officers.

The agency said it had been sent eight complaints and four early-warning submissions describing burns linked to the deployments. The reported injuries included second- and third-degree burns suffered by drivers, front-seat passengers and some officers in Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles.

Side airbags are designed to deploy in certain crashes to help protect vehicle occupants from serious injury. The investigation focuses on cases in which the airbags deployed unexpectedly and resulted in burns. The agency has opened a preliminary evaluation; the available information does not describe a recall or specify what further action may follow.