The investigation focuses on 2021 to 2026 Ford Explorers, including police SUVs, after occupants reported second- and third-degree burns caused by side airbags.
Federal regulators have launched a preliminary assessment on more than 1.2 million Ford vehicles after side airbags deployed in crashes reportedly left several occupants with severe burns requiring medical treatment.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened the investigation last Friday.
The advisory affects 2021 through 2026 model year Ford Explorer vehicles, including Explorer Police Interceptors used by law enforcement.
Deploying the side airbags would have caused second- and third-degree burns to front-seat occupants, regulators said.
FORD RECALLS MORE THAN 40,000 TRUCKS AND SUVS FOR VISIBILITY HAZARD
FILE – NHTSA has opened a preliminary evaluation of the Ford Explorer’s side airbags. (Getty Images/Getty Images)
“Consumers have described that in a crash involving seat-mounted side airbag deployment, they suffered burns,” NHTSA said.
“Burns have been reported among drivers and front-seat passengers and have typically been diagnosed as second or third degree burns requiring medical treatment.”
Some of the complaints received included injuries sustained by law enforcement officers in Ford Explorer Police Interceptors.
FORD ISSUES RECALL FOR 11,000 PICKUPS ON WHITE SCREEN, REAR UP CAMERA RISK
FILE – NHTSA’s federal investigation covers 2021-2026 Ford Explorer models, including police interceptors used by law enforcement. (J. David Ake/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Authorities have documented 11 incident reports involving the alleged defect, resulting in 10 reported injuries.
No deaths have been reported.
CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO
FILE – The alleged defect in Ford Explorers resulted in 11 incident reports involving 10 reported injuries. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
NHTSA said it received eight public complaints from people reporting incidents, as well as four early warning reports.
| Teleprinter | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | FORD MOTOR CO. | 12.52 | +0.08 | +0.64% |
The preliminary assessment marks a first step in the agency’s investigation and could lead to further review, including a possible recall, depending on regulators’ findings.
Gn bussni
