2022 Ford Explorer Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 271 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the air bags of the 2022 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 271 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The driver's side impact airbag burst open when it deployed. This deposited unreacted airbag propellant on my skin, causing a severe chemical burn. The airbag is with the vehicle and currently in the yard of a local body shop, but which will soon turned over to my insurance company. To my knowledge, no investigation has yet been conducted regarding this equipment failure. There were no warning lamp or lights lit which would indicate that there was an issue with the associated Supplement Restraint Systems. I was the driver in a collision where the side impact airbags were deployed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11685505, filed 2025-09“The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front passenger's side airbag was bulging outwards. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,231.”
NHTSA complaint #11677320, filed 2025-07, 83,231 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11647596, filed 2025-03“The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph when another vehicle suddenly pulled in front of their vehicle causing them to hit the driver's side of their vehicle. The contact's vehicle had damage to the front bumper and passenger side of the vehicle. The airbags did not deploy. The seat belt failed to lock causing the contact to slam into the steering wheel. The contact injuries to their left shoulder, left foot, head, neck, back, and stomach area. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11523646, filed 2023-05, 12,994 miles“The contact rented a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 65 mph, attempting to slow down, he crashed into a deer. There were no warning lights illuminated. The passenger-side front knee air bag was partially deployed. The passenger sustained bruising to her lower leg. There was a plastic substance released from the air bag which cut her ankle. The passenger was taken to the hospital where medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. A police report was filed. There were no reported fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #11530890, filed 2023-07, 36,000 milesAir bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2% |
| 2025 | 5 | 5% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 4 | 4% |
| 2022 | 7 | 3% |
| 2021 | 6 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 0% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 11 | 2% |
| 2017 | 34 | 2% |
| 2016 | 99 | 4% |
| 2015 | 84 | 5% |
| 2014 | 47 | 3% |
| 2013 | 18 | 1% |
| 2012 | 27 | 3% |
| 2011 | 44 | 4% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 12 | 6% |
| 2006 | 8 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 39 | 3% |
| 2003 | 50 | 4% |
| 2002 | 162 | 5% |
| 2001 | 28 | 7% |
| 2000 | 62 | 7% |
| 1999 | 97 | 7% |
| 1998 | 40 | 2% |
| 1997 | 27 | 2% |
| 1996 | 41 | 3% |
| 1995 | 27 | 3% |
| 1994 | 11 | 1% |
| 1993 | 5 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 0% |
| 1991 | 3 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2022 Ford Explorer
61 complaintsOther or unknown
58 complaintsElectrical system
39 complaintsFuel system
37 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsEngine
30 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
23 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsForward collision avoidance
12 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2022 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology