Side/window Air Bag problems of the 2000 Ford Focus

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Focus. While driving approximately 43 mph, the front passenger side air bag deployed inadvertently. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact's insurance company was made aware of the failure and advised that an inspector would be sent to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.

Driving to work, the car in front of me stopped quickly, our cars barely touched each other, less than 3 mph, no out side damage was done to either vehicle. Both of my air bags deployed, the passenger air bag busted the windshield. The driver side air bag burnt my right air and has caused nerve damage in the area.

While my mother was driving, the front passenger side airbag deployed. It smashed the windshield and glasses were flying all over her. Soon after she came to a complete stop, she smelled a fume odor and thinking the car is catching fire. She rushed to open the door to get out. On her way out the driver side airbag deployed hitting her right shoulder. We contacted Ford motor company for faulty airbags issue but they rejected responsibility and told us to contact our insurance. Our insurance refused our claim stating it was the manufacture who should be liable. Please help us. Thank you.

The contact stated the driver's side /curtain air bag deployed without warning. The vehicle was sitting still at the dealership. The dealer and manufacturer could not find the cause of the problem.

While driving at 15 mph both the front driver's side and passenger's side air bags inadvertently deployed, resulting in damage to wheel after hitting curb caused by air bag deployment. The windshield was also shattered.

While turning the corner at 15 mph passenger's side mirror slightly hit a parked vehicle mirror. As a result, driver's side air bag deployed inadvertently. Driver sustained a minor burn on the right arm.

While driving at 5 mph the vehicle was involved in a head on collision. The dual air bags deployed. As a result of air bag deployment the driver sustained second degree burns on the left arm. (in driver's side air bag) the driver accidentally applied the gas pedal instead of the brakes and crashed into a store. There was a hesitation then the airbags deployed like an explosion. The airbags released an unknown chemical.

When the driver applied the brakes the drivers side air bag deployed. , returned usps, 2nd attempt made 06/14/07 failed.

I have had a terrible experience at stan morri Ford in tracy, CA and thought others should know of my plight (and perhaps this would make a compelling consumer affairs story). A few weeks ago, I was commuting in my 2000 Ford Focus on i580 when, for no reason, the driver's side airbag deployed violently. I was thrown from the driver's side to the passenger's side of the car, the car filled with smoke and I was "moved" across two lanes of traffic to land in a shallow ditch just east of the santa rita road exit. After regaining my composure and counting my blessings my wife and children were not in the car, I waited for the smoke to clear and finished my drive home, shaken, confused and very rattled. Upon my arrival home, I contacted my insurance company (aaa) and stan morri Ford. Aaa opened a claim, but could do nothing as there had been no real accident. Gary riggs (service manager at stan morri Ford) asked me to come in. Over the past two weeks, stan morri Ford (in conjunction with Ford corporate) has investigated the issue. Their findings, based on data from the on-board computer, was that the car had been "involved in a lateral collision" and both Ford motor company and stan morri Ford have denied any responsibility and refuse to help me. Pictures taken by myself and aaa clearly show no damage to the car. Over the past four years, I have purchased four different cars from stan morri Ford. As a loyal Ford customer, I would have expected better treatment. I am not one of those "sue-happy" people. I explained to everyone involved that I simply wanted out of the car, as it was not safe; I would never have my kids or wife in there again. Even in the face of the confirmed problems and various recalls on the Focus, they will still not assist me. . Read more...

Consumer states while traveling at 10 mph consumer hit a curve, and both passenger and drivers side airbags deployed. Please provide any further information.

While driving at 30 mph vehicle in front came to a sudden stop without warning and consumer rear ended other driver. Both passenger's side and driver's side airbags deployed. Chemicals that came out of airbag sent passengers to hospital with serious burns to face. Consumer was very concerned about this chemical. Please provide any further information.

Consumer states while driving at 40 mph, the left front tire hit a pot hole. The right side air bag deployed. Contacted dealer and informed not going to do anything about the problem.

We were involved in an automobile accident inwhich someone tried to cross infront of me to the other side of the road. Upon impact each airbags deployed, the driver's side burst getting particles into my eye leaving my eye(lt) red,scratchy,and irritated.

While driving 30mph hit a patch of ice vehicle slid into another vehicle, and airbags deployed in which driver's side caught on fire. Contacted dealer.

Driver side air bag deployed and caused 2nd and 3rd degree burns to consumer's body. Steering wheel cover melted consumer's thumb nail/ forearm, and hair on driver's arm. Dealer had no response to what kind of substance or toxics used inside of air bag. Please add VIN# and mileage to form.

While traveling at 5 mph consumer rear ended another car, and both passenger's side and driver's side airbags deployed. Airbags' plastic cover flew off, and shattered front windshield.

While driving at about 20 mph consumer rear ended another vehicle, and both airbags deployed. However, consumer felt like airbags went off at a very low speed. Passenger's side airbag shattered front windshield, and there was glass everywhere. Consumer felt that if on highway and window busted, glass could easily get into consumer's eye.

While driving at 40 mph hit a bump in the street, driver's side and passenger's side airbags came out and broke the window.

Driver's side airbag caused chemical burns (minor). Passenger side airbag shattered windshield before deploying towards passenger. Pillow was covered with glass.

While driving at 6mph in stop and go traffic vehicle rear ended another vehicle, and both driver's side and passenger's side airbags deployed and shattered windshield. Dealer said it was normal.

Front driver's side air bag deployed, causing second degree burns to passenger's lower arms and wrist.