Over 1.2M Ford Explorers investigated over airbags deploying unexpectedly

article FILE-A Ford emblem is displayed on a vehicle during the 2026 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in New York, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (Photo by Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images) The Brief An investigation was launched for certain 2021-2026 model-year Ford Explorer vehicles. The affected vehicles are being probed due to the airbags deploying accidentally. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officials received reports of burn injuries connected to the Ford Explorers. 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. Recalls Cars and Trucks Consumer