Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
AIR BAGS
1611408/01/2002636137Some vehicles may exhibit repeat service for air bag lamp on with diagnostic trouble code b1994 (driver side air bag circuit resistance high) and / or b1998 (passenger side air bag circuit resistance high). *tt11/05/2002
1356311/01/1999610933Some vehicles may exhibit an air bag lamp on with side air bag diagnostic trouble codes b1994 and b1998 in self test. engineering has released a robust overlay harness to install on vehicles that come in for this issue. *tt05/18/2000
99608405/01/1999606961Exhibiting air bag lamp on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) b1994 and / or b1998. *tt09/08/1999
AIR BAGS - FRONTAL - SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
1358111/01/1999614648Some vehicles may exhibit an air bag lamp on with side air bag diagnostic trouble codes b1994 and / or b1998 in self test. *tt11/29/2000
99608405/01/1999606961Exhibiting air bag lamp on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) b1994 and / or b1998. *tt09/08/1999

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
AIR BAGS
SQ99026FORD MOTOR COMPANY11/19/199905/23/2000AIRBAG SYSTEM'S LIGHT DYSFUNCTIONAL
 Alleged that the airbag warning light illuminates, indicating possible airbag system failure.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
AIR BAGS
01/24/2013182000
 I was on my way to work when i hit a slippery spot on the road and my vehicle went out of control with the rear end sliding out from under me, it hit a bank and rolled over 3 or 4 times. the airbag on the drivers side and passenger side did not deploy when it should have.
12/13/20121561571
 Airbag light is lite constantly and will not turn off, if i do have an accident the airbags will not deploy. *tr
12/13/2012156157
 Airbag light is lite constantly and will not turn off, if i do have an accident the airbags will not deploy.
09/27/2010130000
 I hit a pole in a 1999 ford explorer. the airbags did not deploy. the pole was dead in the center, i hit the steering wheel and the pasanger hit the windsheild.
11/10/20091
 1999 ford explore with the air bag light on. *tr
04/14/2008154000504/13/2008
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford explorer. while driving at any speed, the air bag light remained illuminated. the vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer, but the failure still persists. the current and failure mileages were 154,000.
09/14/2007152
 Subject: airbag warning light. 1999 ford explorer. twice during the last 9 years dealer had to replace a harness because of the air bag warning light coming on. this was caused by the riders in the rear seats accidentally hitting the exposed connectors below the driver and passenger seat with their feet. ford mechanic told me the exposed connector assy are normal and no covers are necessary. is it normal for a rear passenger to accidentally hit the connectors with their feet causing the airbag warning light to come on? do newer explorers have same type of exposed air bag connectors below the seats. last repair cost 500.00. *tr
09/01/20024
 Dt: noticed problems with vehicle on september 1, 2002. there was an electrical problem because the light for the air bags was always on. the windshield wipers turned on and off by themselves. this happened so often that it could cause an accident. took vehicle to the mechanic for the brakes because they were making noise, and had to pump the brakes in order to get the vehicle to stop. *ak the driver's side power door lock does not lock. the rear passenger side door cannot be opened from the inside. *nm
07/15/2005557101
 The airbag warning light flashes periodically. local dealership says the wire harness underneath pass seat does not have a good connection and needs to be replaced. cost: approx $300. not able to replace yet due to financial hardship.
09/23/200460000
 I was traveling behind a concrete truck when he slammed on brakes. i hit the truck and the front end of my explorer was significantly damaged. according to the police officer and several body shop mechanics, the airbag should have deployed. the vehicle is currently at the body shop and the damage appears to be irreparable. the airbag failed to deploy and therefore i was thrown into the steering wheel. the impact was severe because the concrete truck was so large that it did not give into the impact at all. *nm
09/13/2004590001
 While driving at 65 mph vehicle lost power steering. the steering wheel tightened, and consumer lost control to the vehicle, and it crashed into a cement wall, rolling over several times before stopping. upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. driver sustained third degree road rash burn on the left side of their body which started from their shoulder to the thigh area. *ak
09/10/2004676001
 Air bag lamp would light intermitently. (9/10/04 took to dealer. lite is now out.) dealer traced to a wiring harness that needs to be replaced. at present this vehicle only has 67,617 miles. dealer stated that this maybe corrision of contacts. sounds like a design problem. 9/12/2004 lite is back on steady. research has shown that ford had a similar problem with the mercury mystic. ([nhtsa recall no. 99v243/ford recall no. 99s23]. could this be the same wiring harness that was installed in some early production explorers, but escape this recall and now the consumers are stuck footing the bill? going back to dealer today (9/13/2004) for repairs. estimated repair costs $300.00.*ak
05/16/2000190004
 Intermittently windshield wipers did not work or started working on their own. also, while driving at any speed vehicle stalled on the road. air bag and check engine light intermittently came on and off.*ak
07/01/20041
 Possible air bag failure or premature deployment.*mr when the vehicle was started the air bag light started flashing on the dash. after approximately two minutes the flashing ceased and the air bag light remained illuminated. the consumer hasn't taken the vehicle to the dealer yet. *nm
05/18/2004750002
 While driving air bag light illuminated. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
04/30/2004111/16/2003
 There is a short in the air bag wiring system causing the air bag light to engage without provocation. ford repair person at holmes tuttle ford in tucson arizona said problem was inherent to the 1999 ford explorer. why hasn't the explorer been recalled to correct the problem. why do i have to be alerted to problem after a rearend collision? *ak
400001
 At 40,000 miles air bag warning indicator illuminated while driving. air bag warning indicator continued to illuminate, and would not turn off. the cause of the problem had not been determined. *ak
09/10/20031
 1999 ford explorer involved in an accident.*mr the consumer stated he/she heard a noise from the engine prior to the accident and also the air bags failed to deploy. *jb *nm
1
 Consumer stated while traveling dash indicator panel air bag indicator would flash throughout travel. dealer had been contacted. *ak
08/22/20031
 While driving at 55 mph vehicle hit a deer head on, and air bags did not deploy. *ak
05/01/20033
 While driving, the air bag light illuminated on the dash board. *jb
05/14/2003
 Air bag light flashes a code of 2 flashes and then 6 flashes and then remains on until you turn the vehicle off. the repair technician at the nearest ford dealer to where it first happened says the failure is in the harness. he said this should be covered under a safety warranty. i took it in for repair at my local dealer and he is denying warranty for the repair. going to be stuck with a $450.00 bill unless you can prove otherwise. *jb
02/15/20031
 While driving, the air bag light illuminated on the dash board. *jb
1
 When the consumer applied the brakes to slow down, the vehicle skidded, hit a barrier and flipped over 3 times. the air bags did not deploy. *jb
02/17/2003101/17/2003
 My air bag malfunction light came on and upon a ford certified diagnostic i was told there was a short in the system that controls the deployment of the air bags. in this case, the air bags will not deploy in the case of an accident. it was called a defective overlay harness that controls the voltage of the system. *jb
02/10/20031
 Consumer was involved in a collision, and the air bags failed to deploy, consumer was also informed the tires were too big for the vehicle.*jb
02/10/200370000101/22/2003
 The air bag light illuminated on the dashboard. dealer informed consumer about a temporary fix that wouldn't last long.*jb
 The air bag light came on after the owner purchasing truck accumulating several miles. he had the all rspr asy air bag replaced. nine months later,same situation accurred dealing with the air bag light staying on. please describe details.ak
03/01/2001609/01/1999
 Airbag light keeps coming on. vehicle has been taken to dealer 5 times, cannot remedy the problem.*ak *tt
01/25/2002105/01/2001
 The steering column started smoking as i used the blinker. the local ford service says that the clock spring in the air bag caught fire and damaged the steering column and possibly the air bag. this is not covered under warranty as it is a safty device.
06/01/2000501/21/1999
 Air bag light on instrument panel remains illuminated. dealership examined problem two times under warranty by soldering and recrimping air bag wiring. then, the problem has occurred three times outside of warranty. *ak *tt
05/22/2000308/01/1999
 Airbag light comes on & remains been replaced 3 times since purchase date. *ak
05/01/20010
 Airbag light came on dashboard. dealership is aware of problem. electrical system to computer was indicating that there was an airbag inside of door. but there is no airbag inside of door.*ak
05/01/2001
 Air bag light would flash on and off in dashboard. consumer took vehicle to a local dealership. they stated that wiring harness connected to air bag module experienced an electrical short. note: consumer was forced to sign a paper from dealership releasing dealer of any liability if air bags were to deploy before vehicle would be turned over to consumer. please provide any additional information/attachments/statements.*ak
04/01/2000
 Airbag light comes on. there is an electric short that's shuts airbag module. which means airbag won't deploy upon impact. dealer has tried lots of remedies,but nothing works.*ak
07/28/2000109/01/1999
 During vehicle collision, no deployment of the air bags occurred and the seat back collapsed, resulting in injury to the driver. *mjs
10/04/20007
 Intermittently airbag sensor light will stay illuminated while vehicle is in motion. dealer has attempted to repair vehicle several times.*ak the vehicle has been serviced 7 times for the same problem. the owner is worried that the air bag may deploy anytime or may not deploy during accident. *yh
08/15/20008
 This error code showed up at 3500 miles,the dealer has changed the whole air bag system and the same code comes up has happened 8 times same code. please contact me and i will explain further. i am in the process of having ford buy this truck back but they are being less than cooperative. the dealer is giving me the run around.. i have been following the firestone hearings i think you have the hammer to swing that i don't.. thank you for your time i am looking forward to discussing this further. bill hilgendorff
03/10/19990
 Pe00020 ; airbag module light came on the dashboard intermittently. throttle was stuck, and vehicle suddenly accelerated/t hood latch bolts were defective, and and the firestone #atx p23575 r15 dot vdul tire tread separated. has contacted firestone, and they put on a waiting list. *ak
3
 While traveling air bag indiacator light flashed. dealer repaired air bag system three times, but problem returned. please provide further information.*ak
03/01/19990
 When turning on the ignition, warning lights are supposed to come on and go off. however, airbag warning light stays on. consumer feels this is unsafe, and there may be a problem with the air bag system. also, automatic doors locks do not lock when vehicle is put into drive, but after the vehicle has traveled 2-3 miles down the road. *ak *ml
106/01/1999
 False deployment of the air bag for no reason. yh
 Consumer has noticed the air bag light illiuminated on the dash. consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer was unable to determine the cause of the problem. vehicle has been at the dealer on a number of occasions due tothe same problem. please provide any further details. *ak
09/16/199910009/01/1999
 This truck has overdrive problems. when you put it in rev and then drive most times it will cut the overdrive off, but not all the time. rear passenger door will not open from inside. airbag light goes on and starts blinking then goes off for a while then back on. the power steering makes noise on a hard right or left turn.
402/01/1999
 Airbag system has failed (shown by sensor light being on) four times. dealer has not been able to fix problem to prevent it from recurring.
08/09/19996
 The main computer was shut down due to a faulty ignition switch. this failure may be the cause of other electrical components to fail. the airbag connectors were cracked under passenger seat causing failure. vehicle has been taken to dealer 4-5 times. *yc
 The air bag warning light remains illuminated, indicating a malfunction within the system, cause unknown. pleae give any further details. *ak
12/15/19985
 Airbag light would remain illuminated, and had to be returned to the dealership 5 times before it was effectively repaired
09/01/1999201/01/1999
 Air bag light flashed codes and then stayed on. dealer replaced module. waited two weeks for part. same problem reoccured two weeks later and as of 9/25/99 has not been resolved.
12/15/19984
 When starting up the car, airbag light comes on and stays on. this is the 4th time this has happened, and taking it back to the dealer. *ak *mjs
10/01/1998
 In jan, 1999 i received authorization for installation of an on-off switch for the driver airbag. i found an auto shop who will install the switch, yet ford refuses to provide the shop with the switch. since jan, 1999 they have said there is a three week backup on parts, and they have been stalling for eight months. since ford created a life-threatening situation by intalling air-bags without the switches they are obliged to now provide consumers with the necessary equipment to rectify the situation. ford's reckless delay tactic is criminal.
11/01/1998
 1st. time ford took a week and a half to send a sensor, 2nd time they sent a (rcm) computor module, 3rd time still waiting after 3 weeks for fords vender to send another sensor. i have know idea if the airbag will deploy if we are in accident or if it will suddenly deploy by itself. since the same part keeps getting replaced an the light keeps going on i don't think ford is sure they know what the problem is. plus i think waiting for 3 weeks for this part is crazy.
03/28/1999
 The air bag module light keeps coming on. had taken vehicle to dealer & had it on diagnostic machine. informed consumer no air bags in vehicle. no parts were ordered for module light. took vehicle to another dealer & the moduile was installed. *ak
03/03/1999201/01/1999
 Airbag warning light flashes 2 times then 9 times for five sequences and then remains on. this usually occurs on first start in the morning but may not occur on subequent starts. dealer service reset computer and when that didn't work replaced the airbag module. it helped for almost a day but the problem came back . i don't know if the airbag will work if needed.
AIR BAGS - FRONTAL
04/13/200483000109/08/2001
 While driving at 40 mph, the consumer's vehicle was involved in a head on collision. upon impact, the dual air bags did not deploy. *ak the consumer hit the steering wheel and the check engine light had come on and stayed on for two weeks. *sc *jb
01/02/200485000112/01/2001
 While driving 35 mph the driver lost control of the vehicle, went off the road and hit a tree head on. upon impact the frontal air bags failed to deploy.*ak the driver strained the muscles in her back and sprained her left thumb. the vehicle has not been repaired and is still in the owners possession. *nm
03/01/20022
 While traveling at 25 mph, another driver made an illegal pass of the right side and clipped the front passenger side of the consumer;s vehicle, which caused her to loose control of the vehicle and subsequently the consumer hit three parked vehicle and landed on top of the fourth vehicle. the second accident the consumer stated a vehicle was coming toward her, so she swerved to avoid hitting the vehicle and crashed in a wooden pole at 25 mph the vehicle bounced off the pole and went back into pole and the air bags did not deploy. the consumer suffered injuries . *ak *jb *nlm
07/16/200358700101/06/2003
 Air bag warning light illuminated, university ford service rep said light on means air bag will not deploy. service rep said it would cost $500 to replace wiring harness it has a short in it. i was told extended warranty would not cover this problems.*ak
02/27/2003
 Air bags did not open i was involved in 2 major accidents in my ford explore 1999 both accidents were front impact and now i have to get surgery in my back. *nlm
06/26/20032
 Air bag light continually appeared on the dashboard. this vehicle had already two front collisions and neither of the air bag deployed. dealer has inspected, and could no duplicate or correct the problem. *ak
02/10/20031
 While driving the consumers vehicle slid on black ice and the consumer lost control of vehicle which resulted in a collision and subsequent rollover. vehicle was completely totaled, but the neither the driver or passenger air bags deployed. *nlm
09/02/200202/01/1999
 Consumer states that the air bag sensor light comes on and stays on, contacted dealer , was informed that air bag will not work in an accident,but they do not have a fix for the problem. mr consumer also stated that while driving, a bolt that holds the driver seat broke. consequently, the seat was able to recline all the way back, almost causing a serious accident. ph 09-dec-2002
05/01/2000
 Vehicle was involved in a rear end collision that contributed to a light pole falling on top of vehicle's hood. upon impact, airbags failed to deploy. please provide any further information.*ak
10/29/200107/01/2000
 Vehicle struck 12 point buck while driving approx.55-60 mph; vehicle came to stop gradually and neither airbag deployed. major impact was drivers side front.*ak
01/17/2001
 Vehicle involved in a side/rear collision, including a rollover, and both air bags did not deploy. speed/impcat was not deterined. dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time.*ak
11/26/2000104/01/1999
 On 11/24/00 i hit a deer going 45-50 mph. my air bags did not deploy and the driver and passenger seat belts did not lock. the front fender of my truck is cracked. the license plate flew 100 hundred feet as did the deer. winner ford said that the impact may not have been enough to lock the seat belts or cause the air bags to inflate. this was said without looking at the truck. on 11/26/00 i was bringing the truck to winner ford, the truck then shut off while i was driving it. the key was still in the ignition and the engine was turning over as if it was still on. on closer inspection it was seen that you could see the metal behind the plastic casing. there was a gap of a 1/4 inch or more. the truck shut off 3 more times on my way home. i have already had the electric modual changed. the first time i went they told me it had been done, but it was not. so i had to take it back a second time after my wipers were malfunctioning. *ak
11/18/2000107/01/1999
 I was driving on a highway when a car attampted to change the lanes and hit my car. the other car was turned across my lane and i hit the car with my front right side, then my car was pushed onto the concrete divider and i hit the divider with my front left side, all when traveling about 60 mph. the passanger seat belt didn't lock up, and my wife was thrown on the dashboard. i also hit the stearing wheel with my head, and because i wear glasses i have some facial injuries. at the whole time when the accidend occured, none of the air bags had deployed.*ak
07/03/2000
 While driving 35-40 mph had a direct frontal impact with a pole, and driver's/ passenger airbags did not deploy, which did not protect the occupants in this crash. dealer was unwilling to check vehicle unless insurance company contact them. no prior problems with the airbag system. please provide further information. *ak
02/01/1999
 Vehicle hdroplaned & rolled none of the airbags deployed. *ak
07/02/19992
 The air bag unit came out of the steering wheel, replaced unit. *mjs
01/25/2000
 Vehicle was involved in a collision where it rolled over, and hit several vehicles and trees. upon impact, airbags did not deploy . manufacturer has been notified. *ak
 While vehicle was at a complete stop ,driver's airbag deployed. dealer has replaced the airbag. since the deployment of the airbag, dealer has repaired vehicle several times for the airbags. manufacturer has been notified. *ak
03/20/1999102/01/1999
 The collision was a frontal impact that destroyed both frontal airbag sensors,. both airbags failed to deploy. *ak
09/03/1999
 While driving down highway at approx 45mph switched lane to the right hand, and another vehicle came out from the consumer's right, swerved back over to another lane to avoid hitting consumer's vehicle. but, instead vehicle rear ended consumer's car. neither airbag deployed. also, inertia switch failed. contacted dealer. *ak
02/18/1999
 The air bag sensors for side air bag was missing. this caused frontal airbags not work like they should. the air bag light indicator on instrument panel came on. had taken to dealer & informed by mechanic the cause of problem could not be located. *ak
 This vehicle was hit in the rear end by another vehicle at about 30 mph. upon impact, air bags did not deploy, also the front drivers seat collapsed, when welds holding seat frame failed, throwing the driver foward into the steering wheel, then falling backward. dealer has been contacted.
04/15/19996
 Air bag light keeps coming on while driving. have taken to dealer at 5 different times for repair. each time mechanic repaired it, 2 months later, the air bag light came on again. *ak
03/25/19990
 Consumer's air bag did not deploy in an accident. *ak
AIR BAGS - FRONTAL - SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
08/23/200717000102/01/2004
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford explorer. the contact stated that the air bag light remained illuminated after the vehicle was started. the mechanic stated that the air bag wiring failed and that the dealer could repair the vehicle. the contact has not yet taken the vehicle to the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 17,000.
01/01/200661900110/10/2001
 Dt*: the contact stated the air bag light on the dashboard has illuminated. the light illuminated without warning. the dealer was contacted by phone and offered to inspect the vehicle, but the contact declined. *nm the contact called the dealer, and he wanted to charge the contact for 2 hours of labor to look at the vehicle. the contact felt ford should pay for two hours to have vehicle inspected. the contact did not have $200 to have it fixed for a safety problem. *ak
03/09/200493345010/26/1998
 Air bag wiring harness on 1999 ford explorer replaced at a cost to me of $550. told by dealer it was defective per tsb 03-24-1.x4.5x. it was replaced before when under warranty for same defect. told by dealer not a safety issue so ford would not cover costs, but also told if not replaced air bag system could fail.
08/19/2002525181
 Wiring harness malfunctioned, causing srs sensor lights to stay on.*ak *ph
08/28/20031
 Air bag light would continue illuminating. dealer has inspected vehicle twice but had no solution, problem still occurring. *ak
03/05/20035500002/28/2003
 1999 ford explorer- air bag warning light, took to dealer and response was the connection for side air bag, vehicle has none, needs replaced, approximately $400 job. to many complaints by other owners to be a coincidence. will air bags deploy when needed? *nlm
12/26/2002100006/05/1996
 1999 ford explorer - airbag sensor stays on; will not deploy airbags. ford dealership says it needs a clock spring a coil of wire like a stator which burned and caused a short in the airbag wiring. according to ford, this will also cause the horn and cruise control to malfunction. ford wants $300 to replace the clock spring. my contention is that this is a safety device in which there are no wearable parts. it is a mis-engineered component that should require a recall to fix. this could very well cause serious injury to someone by not deploying the airbag in the event of an accident. there are 30/40 complaints just in this web site alone for the same problem. what does it take to escalate this problem and have ford produce a recall to address the issue? feel free to contact me if you have any questions....
12/01/1998
 The airbag light comes on indicating a problem with airbag system which won't deploy in event of a crash so it wont protect the occupant. also problems with windshield wiper malfunction which may cause visual diffculty and crash. problem still exists. please provide further information. mjs
05/05/1999
 Air bag senor light remain on; vehicle been in dealer shop on three occasion and condition reoccur.
AIR BAGS - ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY
1
 Consumer recieved authorization to have installation of air bag on-off switches for the drivers and passenger side airbags, ford denied request and now consumer wants air bag disconnected. nlm
 Unable to have air bag on/off switch installed, part not available.
AIR BAGS - SIDE/WINDOW
11/11/20031
 Side air bags are attached to the bottom rear center of the seat back. this placement allows the wires to be damaged by the feet of the rear seat occupant setting a trouble code and disableing the air bag system ! i am a mechanic and found this on an explorer i was working on today.*ak
09/16/199910009/01/1999
 This truck has overdrive problems. when you put it in rev and then drive most times it will cut the overdrive off, but not all the time. rear passenger door will not open from inside. airbag light goes on and starts blinking then goes off for a while then back on. the power steering makes noise on a hard right or left turn.