Ford Under Investigation: Airbags Could Cause Burn Injuries in 1.2 Million Explorers
Investigation covers Explorer SUVs
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation is conducting a preliminary evaluation of Ford airbags that may cause burns. The probe covers an estimated 1,236,155 Explorer SUVs from model years 2021 through 2026.
The reports concern seat-mounted side airbags that deployed in the vehicles. The investigation remains focused on allegations of injuries tied to those deployments.
Reports describe serious burns
The reported burns were typically diagnosed as second- or third-degree injuries and required medical treatment, according to the investigation documents. Some owner questionnaires described injuries to law enforcement officers in Police Interceptors whose side airbags deployed.
No fatalities reported
The investigation documents report no fatalities related to the issue. They also do not identify injuries among rear-seat passengers. The agency is reviewing the reports as it evaluates the potential airbag defect across the affected model years.
Key points
- The preliminary evaluation covers an estimated 1,236,155 Ford Explorers from 2021–2026.
- ODI has received eight owner questionnaires and four injury reports alleging burns.
- Reported injuries were typically second- or third-degree burns requiring medical treatment.
- No fatalities or rear-passenger injuries are described in the filings.