Federal safety regulators are investigating more than 1.2 million Ford Explorer SUVs following reports that side airbags designed to protect occupants during collisions have instead caused severe burns. At least 10 injuries have been reported, including second- and third-degree burns requiring medical treatment.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened its investigation on November 6, covering approximately 1,236,155 Ford Explorers manufactured for model years 2021 through 2026. The agency is examining whether seat-mounted side airbags pose an additional injury risk when they deploy during crashes.
Federal records identify 11 potentially related incidents involving 10 reported injuries. Investigators received eight consumer complaints and four reports submitted through the agency’s Early Warning Reporting system. The injuries involved drivers and front-seat passengers, with some cases affecting law enforcement officers operating Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles.
The severity of the reported injuries has drawn particular attention. Some occupants suffered burns serious enough to require extensive medical treatment, including a police officer whose clothing reportedly caught fire during an airbag deployment, resulting in third-degree burns that required skin graft surgery. The incidents have prompted investigators to examine whether the airbags’ deployment systems may expose occupants to dangerous heat or other hazards.
Ford said it is cooperating with the federal investigation. The automaker has faced mounting scrutiny over vehicle safety and recalls, although the latest inquiry has not established that the Explorer airbags are defective. Regulators will assess the frequency of the reported incidents, their underlying causes and whether additional safety measures are necessary.
No recall has been announced in connection with this investigation. Owners of 2021–2026 Ford Explorers can monitor developments and check for any outstanding safety recalls through the NHTSA’s official website. For now, the investigation highlights a troubling possibility: equipment designed to reduce injuries in a collision may, under certain circumstances, introduce another serious danger.
