Over 1.2M Ford Explorers investigated over airbags deploying unexpectedly
FILE-A Ford emblem is displayed on a vehicle during the 2026 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in New York, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (Photo by Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
An investigation of 1,236,155 Ford Explorers is being conducted because of an accidental deployment of seat-mounted side airbags that can result in severe burn injuries.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officials said in a recall notice that it has received eight complaints and four early warning reports claiming burn injuries linked to the affected vehicles.
Ford Explorer vehicles investigation
Why you should care:
The automaker’s recall affects certain 2021-2026 model-year Ford Explorer vehicles.
Side airbags are deployed in vehicles during certain crashes to safeguard drivers and passengers from serious injury.
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Citing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Reuters noted that drivers, front-seat passengers and some law enforcement officers in Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles suffered second and third-degree burns following side airbag deployments.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall notice and Reuters. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.