NHTSA Opens Probe Into 1.2 Million Ford Explorers Over Airbag Burns
Federal regulators opened a preliminary evaluation into more than 1.2 million Ford Explorer vehicles after side airbags deployed during crashes reportedly left multiple occupants with severe burns requiring medical treatment, Fox Business reported.
Federal Airbag Probe Opens
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened the probe, according to Car and Driver. The investigation covers an estimated 1,236,155 Ford Explorer SUVs built between the 2021 and 2026 model years. The documents filed Nov. 6 by the Office of Defects Investigation include both civilian trim levels and specialized Ford Explorer Police Interceptor variants, as noted by Auto123.
Regulators reported that seat-mounted side airbags deployed during collisions and caused second- and third-degree burns to front-seat occupants. Fox Business stated that authorities have documented 11 incident reports involving the alleged defect, resulting in 10 reported injuries and no fatalities.
The NHTSA received eight public complaints and four early warning reports. A complaint detailed a February 2025 incident involving a Police Interceptor where an officer’s tactical vest and three layers of clothing caught fire after a collision with a delivery truck, resulting in third-degree burns that required skin graft surgery.
Ford Responds to Investigation Amid High Recall Numbers
Ford Motor Co. spokesperson Michael Albano stated that safety is a top priority at Ford and that the company is working with the NHTSA to support its investigation, according to The Detroit News. A preliminary evaluation is an initial data-gathering phase and does not constitute an official product recall.
The Detroit News reported that Ford has issued more than double the recalls of any other automaker this year. Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions, told The Detroit News that the risk of secondary injuries should be weighed against airbags’ life-saving benefits, noting that airbags deploy through an inherently dangerous rapid explosion.
As the www.nhtsa.gov database continues to track consumer complaints, regulators have not yet determined whether the evaluation will lead to a mandatory recall.
Ford Dominates Police Vehicle Markets Despite Frequent Recalls
Beyond law enforcement fleets, Ford vehicles are driven by more than half of the 12,000 U.S. police departments, with Ford claiming two-thirds of the police market and General Motors and Stellantis supplying the balance.
Ford has struggled with recalls, leading the industry with 85 recalls so far this year, while Chrysler, owned by Stellantis, is second with 41. At the same time, Ford received a top mass-market automaker ranking in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study this year.