2001 Ford Explorer air bags problems
28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the air bags on the 2001 Ford Explorer — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owned a 2001 ford explorer. While driving, a burning odor was present and the air bag deployed without warning or an impact. There were no injuries. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact noticed flames under the hood. The fire department…”
filed May 8, 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed into a tree and upon impact, all of the air bags deployed except for the front driver's side air bag. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The driver sustained neck and back injuries. The vehicle was not taken…”
filed Nov 13, 2012
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Air Bags problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 Explorer | 4 | 4% |
| 2022 Explorer | 7 | 3% |
| 2021 Explorer | 6 | 1% |
| 2020 Explorer | 4 | 0% |
| 2019 Explorer | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 Explorer | 10 | 1% |
| 2017 Explorer | 32 | 2% |
| 2016 Explorer | 99 | 4% |
| 2015 Explorer | 84 | 5% |
| 2014 Explorer | 47 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2001 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.