The words “Ford Explorer recall” aren’t just a Google search term for those looking to buy a used Explorer.
No, for those of us old enough to lament how old we are, it’s a reminder of the infamous Ford Explorer/Firestone tire debacle.
This newest bit of upsetting news involving Explorers isn’t actually a recall, though. In this case, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into 1.2 million Explorers.
The probe centers around allegations that passenger-side, seat-mounted airbags have left burns on passengers upon deploying.
Not just burns, but second- and third-degree burns. NHTSA opened the investigation last Friday, Nov. 6, after getting eight Vehicle Owner Questionnaires and four Early Warning Reporting “Death and Injury” reports. Affected vehicles are 2021-2026 Ford Explorers.
Because so many Explorers are used as cop cars — cop SUVS? — NHTSA got at least 10 complaints from law enforcement.
We’ll update you on the investigation once we know what NHTSA comes up with.
[Images: Ford]
