Photo: Alexander Migl / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Monday opened a preliminary evaluation into more than 1.2 million Ford vehicles over accidental deployments of seat-mounted side airbags that caused serious burn injuries. The probe covers certain 2021-2026 model-year Ford Explorer SUVs. It is an investigation, not a recall, and no fix has been announced.
The photograph shows a sixth-generation Ford Explorer. It is a file photo of the model, not of any vehicle in the complaints.
NHTSA said it has received eight complaints and four early warning reports alleging burn injuries tied to the deployments. The agency said drivers, front-seat passengers and some law enforcement officers in Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles suffered second- and third-degree burns after side airbags deployed.
A preliminary evaluation is the first stage of a NHTSA investigation. The agency uses it to assess how serious and how widespread a possible defect is, and it can lead to an engineering analysis and, later, a recall request. It does not by itself find that a defect exists.
Why it matters: the Explorer is one of Ford’s best-selling SUVs, and the Police Interceptor version is used by law enforcement agencies across the country. Still unknown: what is causing the airbags to deploy accidentally, how many vehicles are affected in practice, and whether Ford will issue a recall. Ford’s response was not available at the time of writing. This report will be updated as NHTSA or Ford release more information.
JBizNews Desk | Washington, D.C.
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