Automotive
NHTSA probes Ford Explorer airbags over alleged burn injury risk
Car and Driver reports that NHTSA is investigating about 1.24 million Ford Explorer SUVs over airbags that may cause burns.
The short version
- Car and Driver reports that NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation is investigating Ford over airbags that may cause burns.[Car and Driver]
- The probe covers an estimated 1,236,155 Ford Explorer SUVs from the 2021 through 2026 model years.[Car and Driver]
- The ODI has received eight owner questionnaires and four death and injury reports, with no fatalities reported.[Car and Driver]
- Reported burns were typically second- or third-degree and required medical treatment, and no recall has been issued yet.[Car and Driver]
Key facts
- Ford is under investigation by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation for airbags that may cause burns.[Car and Driver]
- The investigation covers an estimated 1,236,155 Ford Explorer SUVs built from the 2021 through 2026 model years.[Car and Driver]
- ODI has received eight Vehicle Owner Questionnaires and four death and injury reports related to the issue.[Car and Driver]
- Reported burn injuries were typically diagnosed as second- or third-degree burns and required medical treatment.[Car and Driver]
- No official recall has been issued for the issue as of the report.[Car and Driver]
What remains uncertain
- The scope, frequency, and safety ramifications of the issue are still being evaluated by ODI.[Car and Driver]
- Whether the airbags cause the reported burns has not been established, as the probe centers on allegations.[Car and Driver]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.