More than 1.2M Ford vehicles under federal probe after safety feature causes severe burns, 10 injured

Live updates

1. 11m ago

   NHTSA probes 1.2M Ford Explorers over side airbag burns

   The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into roughly 1.2 million Ford Explorer SUVs after at least 10 people reported severe burns from side curtain airbag deployments. The probe covers model years 2020 through 2023 and focuses on whether the airbag inflators can rupture or vent hot gas onto occupants during a crash. Ford says it is cooperating with the inquiry. No recall has been announced.

   Why it matters

   Side curtain airbags are designed to protect heads in rollovers and side impacts, but the inflators in these Explorers may be releasing excessive heat or debris. NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation will determine if a defect exists and whether a recall is warranted. The issue adds to Ford’s recent string of safety reviews, including engine fires and brake failures.

   What is confirmed

   • NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation into approximately 1.2 million Ford Explorer SUVs from model years 2020-2023.
   • At least 10 people have reported severe burns from side curtain airbag deployments.
   • The investigation focuses on whether the airbag inflators can rupture or vent hot gas onto occupants.
   • Ford confirmed it is cooperating with the investigation.
   • No recall has been issued at this time.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The inflators may be manufactured by a specific supplier also used by other automakers.

   What to watch next

   • NHTSA’s decision to upgrade the preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis
   • Ford’s response timeline and any interim safety notices
   • Potential expansion of the probe to other Ford or Lincoln models sharing the same airbag system
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. autos.yahoo.com — He Bought a Banned 500-HP Chinese EV for $3,000—and It Destroys 0-60 in 3.9 Seconds
   2. Fox Business — More than 1.2M Ford vehicles under federal probe after safety feature causes severe burns, 10 injured
   3. Car and Driver — Ford Under Investigation for Airbags that Could Cause Burn Injuries in up to 1.2 Million Explorers
   4. Reuters — NHTSA opens probe into 1.2 million Ford vehicles over airbag deployment
   5. Detroit Free Press — After burn injury complaints, feds open investigation on Ford Explorers
   6. The Detroit News — Ford faces probe of side air bag deployments in latest safety issue
   confidence 90%