Side/window Air Bag Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

Police vehicle was clearing intersectio when a ups truck collided with it's right side forward. The collision caused the side airbag to deploy. The officer's vest, sweater, undershirt, t-shirt and the officer's right side suffered thermal burns from the exhaust port. The officer suffered 3rd degree burns and had to have surgery and skin graft.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Explorer 🔎.

This past weekend I was driving an 04 Ford Explorer when both side airbags spontaneously deployed. I was not in an accident. I was driving down a two-lane road at less than 35 miles per hour when the airbags deployed. I was able to pull over but not before sustaining an injury to my ear and not before the passenger sustained an injury to her right arm. I reported this to Ford, which advised to carry the vehicle to a dealership. Took it to the dealership, where the service manager was unconcerned with the fact that the airbags spontaneously deployed. He looked at the vehicle for two days only to report he was not aware of why the airbags deployed and stated there was nothing he could do about it. I repeat, I was not in an accident and the airbags deployed while driving. This is of course quite concerning to me but Ford does not seem to care. Please follow-up on the safety of Ford's vehicles.

See all problems of the 2004 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The vehicle was moving at a slow rate of speed (approx 5-10 mph) on a bumpy road. The driver was looking for a parking space. The side airbags deployed. The insurance company has determined that there was no collision or reason for the airbags to deploy and therefore they will not cover the damage.

While driving my vehicle, my driver side seat will move by itself. It's happened several times and is very scary knowing I cant reach the gas or brake pedal while driving when it happens. My heated seat doesnt work properly either I dont know if this is all part of the problem or not. The side airbag on my driver seat also is bulged out more then it should be I believe.

See all problems of the 2007 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The "sync" touchscreen stopped working. Once this happened the passenger side airbag sets to "off" all the time. The Ford dealer reports it requires a new apin, which was covered under a recall but only for 5 years from date of new purchase.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Takata recall I was driving about 5 miles per hour when the side air bags deploy on there own making a big blast without been involving in accident I don't know watt cause the air bags to deploy this could been a big accident if I was driving on the main highway at normal speed resulting in possible death.

Passenger side air bag does not stay on when someone is sitting in passenger seat. Goes from on to off.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Takata recall I had an accident on hwy 701, I went off the road and hit a cement culvert going 45mph and my driver side airbag didn't deploy I suffered 2 spinal fractures.

I was driving on I-94 east in harrison twp, mi on 3/9/18. I was traveling a 70 mph. I heard something and suddenly I am saw white all around me like a tunnel. At that moment I was still in my lane. Within seconds the I had no control of my vehicle as though I had no brakes or steering. My car veered left hitting the cement median. The car rolled on its left side and eventually flipped back upright. There were no other vehicles in the accident. My daughter, 14, and I were in the vehicle and were taken to the hospital for minor injuries. On 3/8/18 my vehicle was serviced at the Ford dealer to replace a wheel bearing. The service man made a comment about our tires wearing quickly and shredding. We previously replaced them at 22,500 miles. Currently my vehicle had 58,000 miles. The vehicle was a total loss. I truly think the accident was due to a defect in the car. I called Ford to report the incident and they refused to investigate and wouldn't even send be a letter stating they would not. The insurance company said they will not investigate the car because I was the only vehicle so it was obviously my fault. Both companies refused to investigate. My injuries were not substansial enough for anyone to take notice. I thought that is why vehicles have black boxes were installed. I am fearful 2016 Explorer owners or the innoccent bystanders are going be hurt or worse if Ford doesn't take this seriously. I truly believe the white tunnel was the side air bags deployed.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

All side airbags deployed without accident. Deployment happend while my wife and 4 year old son was in the vehicle driving approximately 30-40 miles per hour down a straight road in long valley new jersey. This road is smooth, level and free of pot holes etc. Unable to see because of the downed airbags and smokey dust like material from the airbags she pulled off the road as best she could.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owned a 2003 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and the passenger side air bag immediately deployed without warning. The contact stated that the powdery dust from the deployed air bag clouded his vision and caused the vehicle to rear end the preceding vehicle. The crash caused a chain reaction that involved four vehicles. A police report was filed. The contact sustained minor cuts and pains that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a tow yard, from where it was later picked retrieved by the insurance company. The failure mileage was approximately 73,700.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the driver was driving at 40 mph, both driver and passenger side air bags deployed without impact. As a result, the vehicle failed to start. The driver sustained left arm injuries and the passenger sustained neck injuries but did not require medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was pushed by another vehicle to the contacts resident. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer 🔎.

On may 6, 2016 I was driving on interstate 5 between 55-60 mph in the middle lane of heavy traffic when suddenly there was an explosion inside my car. The right/left side airbags deployed without any warning. I was able to get to the shoulder and call aaa. I was towed to the landmark Ford service center.

On Friday, August 7th at 1:00 pm I was going north on highway 52 out of rochester when the side airbags in my 2004 Ford Explorer spontaneously deployed. It sounded like a bomb went off in my vehicle and the driver side airbag struck the side of my face. After realizing what happened I could not see out the passenger windows of my truck (safety hazard as the airbags are now blocking vision of the highway), so I was forced to pull off on the left side of the highway (very dangerous). Because I was so shaken up I had to stand outside of my vehicle as I was so scared that the front airbag was next. I had someone come pick me up. I left the vehicle there and went to the Ford dealership to let them know about what happened. I was told that there is probably nothing they can do because my truck is out of warranty…what??? on Monday I called the Ford motor company and explained the situation. I was told that the case was being escalated to the regional level and that they would contact me within 24 hours. I called again on Tuesday afternoon and was told they would send an e-mail to have the rep call me as soon as possible. Wednesday I called again and was told they would send an email and they also connected me to a voicemail so I left a message. I finally received a call at 5:00 on Thursday and was told that Ford will pay for the cost to download the data I am responsible for any repairs because the vehicle is out of warranty. I want compensation and I want answers! I could have been killed, I could have killed others if I had lost control, this could have been a very bad and dangerous situation and something needs to be done.

While driving on paved highway(clear, dry day) a hissing sound was coming from the steering column. After making a left turn onto another paved highway, the hissing noise increased, then was followed immediately by the spontaneous deployment of the driver's side air bag, prior to any impact. The obstruction of the deployed airbag created a compromised or visionary impairment from my windshield's field of view, causing me to have impact with another vehicle. After impact of first vehicle, the passenger side airbag deployed. , then there was a secondary impact with another vehicle. In addition to the airbag braking my nose, two pieces of shrapnel were ejected from the inside of the deployed airbag, one hitting me in the left side mid chest/abdomen, the other to the distal portion of my left forearm. The projected shrapnel tore through a down coat, sweater and two shirts causing injury and 2nd degree burns to my chest/abdomen and forearm. The injuries of the other vehicles inhabitants are unknown at this time.

There was no malfunction. I have a Ford Explorer 2002. I want to know if the front drivers side and front passenger side airbags will work properly. I have searched this database but cannot find anything that is applicable. We (wife and myself) have only this vehicle and w we want to know if it is safe to drive. Please help.

While approaching an intersection from the south, a car crossed the intersection in front of us, traveling east. I applied the brakes but not in time to avoid hitting the car broadside. Front airbags deployed as did the side air bags on the driver side. The airbag under the dash on the passenger side deployed also. My wife, who was seated in the front passenger seat, suffered a very serious cut on her lower leg, just a few inches above the ankle. It is oriented primarily circumferential for at least 180 degrees around the top and sides of her leg. The wound cut to the bone and required multiple layers of stitches to repair. Her doctor says the blistering around the cut appears to be consistent with a burn. There was no car fire, so we think that the cut and burn were likely from the air bag. There was no visible damage to the car in the passenger leg area. No glass was broken.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Traveling north bound on hiway 99 in chico CA, between exits 385 and 386, the side air bags deployed. This was in the middle of a construction zone but there was little in the way of debris on the road or bumps to have caused the air bag deployment. My head was violently thrown toward the center of the vehicle but I managed to maintain control and so there was no subsequent accident. I noted the little orange light glowing on the dash telling me the air bags had deployed. I suffered from a sore / stiff neck and a recurrence of major tenitis symptoms in my left ear. The local Ford dealer could not isolate the exact cause of the un-commanded air bag deployment and the matter is still with our auto insurance company.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed into a tree and upon impact, all of the air bags deployed except for the front driver's side air bag. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The driver sustained neck and back injuries. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were 101,000.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while traveling 25 mph, the passenger attempted to secure their seatbelt when the driver and passenger side air bags deployed erroneously and without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was told that the air bags were no longer covered under warranty and provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 00v179000(air bags:side window) but was advised by the manufacturer that the recall was irrelevant to the 2002 model year Explorer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 144,000.

With no warning or abnormal instrument indications, both side air bags inadvertently deployed during vehicle operation. Vehicle was on a level paved state highway, between intersections, operating between 30-35mph.

I own a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT. I started my car up this mourning to go to work. I stepped out of the car to remove an empty cup when I heard a pop from insided my car. As I turned an looked I saw my car filled with smoke. As I went back to the car the passenger side air bag was deployed. There was no warning what so ever. If this would have happened when I was driving there is no telling what would have happened. This car is in very good shape. It has 130000 miles on it. I am afraid of this happening to the drivers side bag now as I have seen that this has happened before to this model.

2004 Ford explrer XLT side air bag deploy without any reason.

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Explorer. While the contact was driving on a bumpy road approximately 10 mph the side air bags deployed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and who performed a diagnostic test and the computer detected via black box that a crash had occurred. The vehicle was being repaired when the complaint was filed. The technicians were replacing the air bags, the lining where the air bags were located, and the black box. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000. Updated 01/19/11 the consumer stated prior the air bag deployment, the engine stalled. Updated 04/15/11.

The side curtain airbag spontaneously deployed upon side door closure of a Ford Explorer. The vehicle was sitting after re-fueling. Concurrent with and immediately prior to the deployment of the airbag, the door alarm system was chiming that a door was ajar, and after inspection by a mechanic it was determined that the security/door warning system module has failed. Ford was sent the airbag module for inspection, and has yet to provide the results of the module inspection - after a period of more than 5 months. Further problems persist with the electronic system. The door ajar alarm continues to sound at random intervals, the interior lights flicker on and off at random intervals, and the door locks repeatedly lock and unlock, all of which cause a distracting potential safety hazard while driving.

Wipers works when they want too. Power windows work when they want too. The interior lights works when they want too.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While driving less than 35 mph, both the driver's and passenger side window air bags deployed without warning. The vehicle became engulfed with chemicals and made a very loud sound that shocked the driver. There were no injuries. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel prior to the deployment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was requested that the computer be removed from the vehicle. Ford could not offer a solution nor guarantee that the failure would not recur. The current and failure mileages were less than 120,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While driving 20 mph, the side air bags suddenly deployed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair. The contact feels that the Ford manufacturer should replace the air bags for free due to the failure being technical in nature. The current mileage was 80,544 and failure mileage was 80,400.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. While driving 30 mph, the side air bags deployed without warning. There was no crash before the failure occurred. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of failure. The failure and current mileages were 49,172.

See all problems of the 2005 Ford Explorer 🔎.

- the contact owns a 2004 Ford Explorer with an odometer reading of 38000 miles. The contact stated that while driving, both side airbags deployed for no reason. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and when the dealer diagnosed the vehicle the computer indicated that the vehicle was in a crash. The contact and the dealer knew that the was no crash and when this information was given to the manufacturer, they stated that the diagnoses machine was the information that they considered and that it was no longer their problem.

Side air bags deployed while just driving down the road. That's what happened to me and Ford is not willing to help at all. They say it's not their problem. They will not pay for anything. (repair or rental).

While driving, both passenger and driver side air bags deployed, without vehicle being involved in a collision or roll over. Ford has refused to honor warranty, due to scratches on the underside-car frame, near box. Have placed claim with insurance company.

: the contact stated while driving 30 mph on a paved road, there was a loud noise followed by a burning smell. The side air bags had deployed. No injuries were sustained. Both occupants were wearing seat belts however, after the deployment, the seat belts strap tightened. The contact pulled over and the seat belts released. The police were contacted and a report was taken. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the side airbag deployment. Updated 5/16/2006 -.

Air bag light illuminated. Took in to check. Side impact airbags require new wiring harness - there is an update to the wiring harness - no recall. However, if not repaired no airbags function. This is second wiring harness failure in vehicle.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Passenger side curtain airbag deployed upon closing rear door of vehicle. Vehicle was not in motion, nor was it parked near another vehicle. Dealership ran diagnostic, computer code indicated vehicle had been in an accident. Manufacturer initially declined repair via conversation with mechanic, after I pursued claim, was told by dealership that vehicle would be repaired and I would have an expense to do so of $300. I contacted svc manager for explanation of $300, told consumer always shares in expense of repair for out of warranty items. Contacted manufacturer again, asked for review as NHTSA website states safety issues should be addressed at no expense to vehicle owner. Yet to be resolved.