The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a preliminary evaluation into more than 1.2 million Ford vehicles due to concerns over seat-mounted side airbags accidentally deploying and causing serious burn injuries. The investigation was prompted by eight consumer complaints and four early warning reports.
According to the NHTSA, the issue affects certain 2021-2026 model-year Ford Explorer vehicles. Reports indicate that drivers, front-seat passengers, and some law enforcement officers operating Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles have sustained second- and third-degree burns after side airbag deployments. Side airbags are designed as safety devices intended to deploy during specific types of crashes to protect occupants.