Over 1.2M Ford Explorers investigated over airbags deploying unexpectedly

An investigation of 1,236,155 Ford Explorers is being conducted because of an accidental ​deployment of seat-mounted side airbags ⁠that can result in severe burn ​injuries.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officials said in a recall notice that it has received eight complaints and four early warning reports claiming burn injuries linked to the affected vehicles. 

Ford Explorer vehicles investigation

Why you should care:

The automaker’s recall affects ​certain 2021-2026 model-year Ford Explorer vehicles.

Side airbags are deployed in vehicles during certain crashes to safeguard drivers and passengers from serious injury.

RELATED: Volvo recalls more than 400,000 cars related to rearview camera problem

Citing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ⁠Reuters noted that drivers, front-seat passengers and some law ​enforcement officers in Ford ​Explorer ⁠Police Interceptor vehicles suffered second and third-degree burns following ⁠side ​airbag deployments.

The Source: Information for this story was provided by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall notice and Reuters. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.