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Over 1.2M Ford Explorers Investigated over Airbags Deploying Unexpectedly
NHTSA said eight complaints and four early warning reports alleged second- and third-degree burns from seat-mounted side air bags in some 2021-2026 models.
- On Monday, November 9, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a preliminary evaluation into more than 1.2 million Ford Explorer SUVs over reports that seat-mounted side airbag deployments caused serious burn injuries to occupants.
- Drivers, front-seat passengers, and law enforcement officers in Ford Explorer Police Interceptors reported second- or third-degree burns following airbag deployment, with NHTSA receiving eight complaints and four early warning reports regarding the injuries.
- The Dearborn-based automaker manufactures these vehicles at its Chicago Assembly Plant in Illinois, where regulators are studying the frequency and scope of the defect across 2021-2026 model-year Ford Explorer SUVs.
- Ford continues to lead the auto industry in recalls with 85 this year, though recently ranked first in a Power Initial Quality Survey; a spokesman said the company might comment on the evaluation later.
- With more than half of the 12,000 police departments driving Ford vehicles, the investigation carries significant implications, as the automaker claims it holds two-thirds of the police market against General Motors and Stellantis.
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18 Articles
18 Articles
Ford facing probe of 1M vehicles after airbags caused serious burn injuries
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Monday said it opened a preliminary evaluation into more than 1.2 million Ford vehicles over the accidental deployment of seat-mounted side airbags that caused serious burn injuries.
·New York, United States
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Over 1.2 Million Ford Explorer Vehicles Face Probe Over Reports Linking Airbags To Burn Injuries
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating reports that airbag deployment in certain Ford Explorer models may cause second or third degree burns.
·Jersey City, United States
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NHTSA opens probe into 1.2 million Ford vehicles over airbag deployment ...
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution77% Center
Bias Distribution
- 77% of the sources are Center
77% Center
C 77%
15%
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