The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary investigation into 2021-2026 Ford Explorer SUVs. The inquiry follows reports of front-seat passengers sustaining second- or third-degree burns after the deployment of side airbags.
The investigation encompasses approximately 1,236,155 vehicles. According to the agency, the issue is isolated to seat-mounted side airbags in the front row, with no evidence suggesting the problem affects rear seating or other airbag systems within the vehicle.
The agency has documented 11 incidents, 10 of which resulted in burn injuries requiring medical attention. While the affected population represents a small percentage of the total vehicles, the severity of the injuries prompted the formal review.
Ford has not issued a recall in response to these findings. The current phase is a fact-finding stage; the NHTSA may close the case, proceed to an engineering analysis, or request a recall based on further data.
