2016 Ford Explorer: airbags did not deploy in a crash

Filed May 15, 2026 · Airbags · OK · crash · 2 injuries

Description of Incident: The driver, [XXX] , was idling on a road near Lake Murray when her vehicle was rear-ended. Despite the force of the impact requiring Ms. [XXX] to be rushed to the hospital, the vehicle’s airbags failed to deploy. Post-Accident Concerns: Following the collision, the CEO of RideCare had the vehicle moved immediately to avoid public scrutiny. I have reason to believe the company is intentionally withholding the vehicle from inspection to prevent the XXX Highway Patrol or safety investigators from accessing the "black box" (Event Data Recorder). The vehicle is currently being stored inside the garage at the RideCare facility off [XXX] . Given that this company is responsible for the safe transport of vulnerable mental health patients, the failure of critical safety equipment and the subsequent attempt to hide evidence is a matter of urgent public safety. I request a formal investigation into the maintenance standards of this fleet and the specific safety failure INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 11, 2023 · Airbags · 109,000 miles · AL · crash · 2 injuries

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while crossing an intersection at 35 MPH, another driver crashed on the driver's side of the vehicle resulting in a T-bone collision. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. Both driver-side doors failed to open after the accident and special equipment was used by the authorities to extract the contact from the vehicle. The contact was taken to the hospital and was treated for minor scrapes, bruises, and soreness. The other driver sustained lacerations to the abdomen from the seat belt and also sought medical treatment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

Filed Jun 15, 2021 · Airbags · VA · crash

Air bag light came on randomly one day, diagnostics indicated it was an issue with the wiring harness under the rear passenger second-row seating. This area is inaccessible so accidental disconnection is unlikely. I was told that the airbags will not deploy in the event of an accident when the airbag light is on. This certainly was the case for me as the airbag light was on at the time I was in an accident with contact to my driver's side front bumper and the airbag did not deploy. My grievance is that this is a common issue that Ford is aware of and no recall has been put in place to fix it. It is unacceptable for a manufacturer to be aware of a problem and not fix it especially as it is costly to the consumer. Quoted $1,000+ for repair. Most importantly, it is a safety issue.

Filed Apr 9, 2021 · Airbags, Seat belts · 51,000 miles · FL

My airbag light came on and the ford dealer warned me that the airbags would not deploy until I got the issue fixed. This is a known issue by ford, as they have issued tsb it. My explorer sport is 4 months over the 5 year/60,000 mile power train warranty, so I contacted assurant solutions because I bought a 72 month/75,000 mile extended warranty through usaa on 1/6/2016. This was my first claim and they denied the claim because they said that 'safety restraint systems' was an 'excluded item'! What's infuriating is that they cover electrical assembly, interior electronics and power train electronics, but not 'safety' electrical components!! I raised cane with the general manager of the ford dealership and they went back to ford for a 'goodwill' warranty coverage and they agreed to pay for all but $261 of the repair. While I sincerely appreciate the goodwill offer, ford lost any future business from me for not proactively offering the goodwill coverage from the start before I had to pursue other options. Shame on ford!! It doesn't rise to the level of a full recall, but it is a known defect with a critical safety feature, so they should have covered it from the start when presented with the air bag light coming on!

Filed May 19, 2020 · Airbags · 51,000 miles · OH

Airbag light comes on - when light is on airbags do not deploy in case of an accident. Took to dealer told wiring harness under back seats need replaced, not covered under warranty. This is an issue with more than just my vehicle. There is a fix and should be a recall.

Filed May 14, 2018 · Airbags · 25,000 miles · VA · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford explorer. While driving 35 MPH, the contact rear ended another vehicle and the air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact suffered injuries to the head and chest, which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to battlefield service center in manassas, virginia, but was not diagnosed. A dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was made aware of the crash. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. The VIN was not available.