More than 1.2M Ford vehicles under federal probe after safety feature causes severe burns, 10 injured

Published November 9, 2026 7:14pm EST Regulators documented 11 incidents and 10 reported injuries, with no fatalities reported Federal regulators have launched a preliminary evaluation into more than 1.2 million Ford vehicles after side airbags deployed during crashes reportedly left multiple occupants with severe burns requiring medical treatment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened the probe last Friday. The notice affects 2021-2026 model Ford Explorer vehicles, including Explorer Police Interceptors used by law enforcement. Side airbag deployments reportedly caused second and third-degree burns to front-seat occupants, regulators said. FORD RECALLS MORE THAN 40,000 TRUCKS AND SUVS OVER VISIBILITY RISK FILE — NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation into Ford Explorer side airbags. (Getty Images / Getty Images)"Consumers have described that during a crash involving deployment of the seat-mounted side airbag, they sustained burn injuries," the NHTSA said. "Burn injuries have been reported for both drivers and front passengers and were typically diagnosed as second or third-degree burns requiring medical treatment."Some of the complaints received have reported injuries to law enforcement officers riding in Ford Explorer Police Interceptors. FORD ISSUES RECALL FOR 11,000 PICKUPS OVER BLANK SCREEN, REARVIEW CAMERA RISK FILE — The NHTSA federal investigation covers 2021-2026 model Ford Explorers, including Police Interceptors used by law enforcement. (J. David Ake/Getty Images / Getty Images)Authorities have documented 11 incident reports involving the alleged defect, resulting in 10 reported injuries.No fatalities have been reported. CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO FILE — The alleged defect in Ford Explorers prompted 11 incident reports involving 10 reported injuries. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)The NHTSA said it received eight public complaints from people reporting incidents, along with four early warning reports.Ticker Security Last Change Change % F FORD MOTOR CO. 12.52 +0.08 +0.64% The preliminary evaluation marks an initial step in the agency's investigation and could lead to further scrutiny, including a potential recall, depending on what regulators find.