The investigation covers 2021-2026 Ford Explorers, including police SUVs, after occupants reported second and third degree burns due to side airbags. Federal regulators have begun a preliminary evaluation of more than 1.2 million Ford vehicles after side airbags deployed during crashes reportedly left several occupants with severe burns that required medical treatment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened the investigation last Friday. The notice affects 2021-2026 model year Ford Explorer vehicles, including Explorer police interceptors used by law enforcement. The deployment of the side airbags reportedly 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 during an accident involving the deployment of the seat-mounted side airbag, they suffered burns,” NHTSA said. “Burn injuries to both drivers and front passengers have been reported and were generally diagnosed as second or third degree burns requiring medical treatment.” Some of the complaints received have reported injuries to law enforcement officers traveling in Ford Explorer police interceptors. FORD PRODUCES 11,000 PICKUP RECALL ON BLANK SCREEN, REARVIEW CAMERA HAZARD FILE – Federal NHTSA investigation covers 2021-2026 model year Ford Explorers, including police interceptors used by law enforcement. (J. David Ake/Getty Images / Getty Images) Authorities have documented 11 reports of incidents related to the alleged defect, resulting in 10 injuries. No deaths have been reported. CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO ARCHIVE: The alleged defect in Ford Explorers led to 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 who reported incidents, along with four early warning reports. Ticker Security Last Change Change % F FORD MOTOR CO. 12.52 +0.08 +0.64% The preliminary assessment marks an initial step in the agency’s investigation and could lead to further scrutiny, including a possible recall, depending on what regulators find.
