Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | ||||||
| EA02017 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 08/16/2002 | 08/15/2003 | BURN INJURIES DUE TO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT | ||
| All of the consumer complaints allege an incident in which deployment of the driver frontal air bag caused some type of burn injury.most of these injuries are due to contact and/or abrasion with the air bag and are of relatively minor to moderate severity.it is possible that some drivers may have sustained burn injuries to the skin as a result of hot gases exhausting from the vents of the air bags in the subject vehicles, but the number of such incidents appears to be low.further details of the investigation are contained in subsequent pages of this report.based on the above, further expenditure of agency resources on this investigation does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency may take further action if warranted by the circumstances. | ||||||
| PE02026 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 02/28/2002 | 09/18/2002 | INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT | ||
| Allege air bags may deploy in the absence of frontal vehicle impact or during very low speed vehicle impact. | ||||||
| PE02020 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 02/11/2002 | 08/16/2002 | AIR BAG BURN INJURIES/VEHICLE FIRES | ||
| Allege deployment of air bags may result in burn injuries to driver and/or vehicle fire | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | |||
| 02/01/2013 | 139600 | 1 | |
| Stopped in traffic for redlight, traffic started to move car in front of me stopped and i rear ended him causing airbags to deploy and smash windshield. when i exited the vehicle to my surprise there was no front end damage only a scuff mark on front bumper where my car went under the 1991 mercury grand marquis that i hit. received a powder burn to my left hand from airbag deployment. car that i hit had no damage. insurance company thinks the vehicle will have to be totaled because air bags deployed. at he time of impact i was traveling between 5 and 10mph. *tr | |||
| 02/01/2013 | 139600 | ||
| Stopped in traffic for redlight, traffic started to move car in front of me stopped and i rear ended him causing airbags to deploy and smash windshield. when i exited the vehicle to my surprise there was no front end damage only a scuff mark on front bumper where my car went under the 1991 mercury grand marquis that i hit. received a powder burn to my left hand from airbag deployment. car that i hit had no damage. insurance company thinks the vehicle will have to be totaled because air bags deployed. at he time of impact iwas travelling between 5 and 10mph | |||
| 10/19/2012 | 151000 | 1 | |
| My 16-year old daughter was pulling out of a parking stall and moving forward to exit the parking area. she was traveling about 10 mph when the air bags deployed without warning. she was injured mostly on her right side from the seat belt and also burns from the air bag on her upper torso and neck. bruises on her legs and very, very sore. *tr | |||
| 04/20/2012 | 150000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that while driving 5 mph into a parking space the air bags deployed without warning, causing the windshield to shatter. the contact was able to maintain control of the vehicle during the failure. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 150,000. sm. | |||
| 04/20/2012 | 150000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that while driving 5 mph into a parking space the air bags deployed without any warnings causing the windshield to shatter. the contact stated she was able to maintained control of the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 150,000. pm | |||
| 04/11/2011 | 125000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that while driving 10 mph the air bags deployed without prior warning. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who was not able to diagnosed the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, however they did not offered any assistance because the vehicle was not included in any recalls. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure mileage was 125,000 and the current mileage was 129,000. vf | |||
| 04/11/2011 | 125000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact stated that while driving 10 mph the air bags deployed with out any warnings. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who was not able to diagnosed the problem. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offered any assistance since the vehicle was not included on any recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 125,000 and the current mileage was 129,000. pm | |||
| 09/21/2009 | 116000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving 16 mph the air bag deployed. as a consequence, the glass from the window shattered on the occupants in the front seat; which caused minor injuries. the vehicle was in the process of being inspected to determine the cause of the failure. the failure and current mileages were 116,000. | |||
| 06/01/2008 | 8200 | 1 | |
| We were at a complete stop at a stop light and the air bag deployed and has caused some injury to my face and may have cause some loss of vision in my right eye. *tr | |||
| 01/16/2008 | 78871 | 1 | 09/01/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. while driving 20 mph with the brake pedal depressed, the front air bags deployed. the passenger side air bag cracked the windshield. the passenger side seat belt failed. the passenger seat was unoccupied. there was no impact or warning indicators prior to the failure. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the air bags deployed due to a crash. no repairs were made. a police report was filed. the current and failure mileages were 78,871. updated 3/11/08 *cn the consumer stated there was no damage done to the front end of the vehicle. updated 03/11/08 *tr | |||
| 01/05/2008 | 94000 | 1 | 11/15/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. the contact struck a curb while driving at an unknown speed, and the air bags deployed. the insurance claim adjuster arrived at the scene and could not determine why the air bags deployed. as a result, the insurance agency labeled the vehicle as destroyed. ford motor company stated that this was normal if one would have an impact while driving 30-40 mph. the failure and current mileages were 94,000. updated 02/12/08. *lj | |||
| 01/13/2008 | 95925 | 1 | 11/13/2007 |
| On my 2001 ford focus both airbags deployed during normal car movement. no any accidents happened before, no vehicles or curbs involved, just during movement, fortunately on very low speed. both bumpers has no any tracks of contact with something. (similar, like nhtsa action number : pe02026). *tr | |||
| 11/11/2007 | 92001 | 2 | 11/05/2007 |
| Defect reported by a professional tow company, the individual a certified ase automotive technician.(verifiable) seat-side airbag deployment while cranking vehicle. . first occurrence: cranking vehicle on roadside. driver's seat-side airbag deploys. second occurrence: following day, cranking vehicle with passenger seated in front. passenger seat-side airbag deploys while cranking motor.no collision or impact involved no injuries worthy of documenting. airbag faults are non-disputable unacceptable. any unwarranted airbag deployment can cost lives, and warrants a full investigation towards a recall for inspection, and/or replacement of the fault designed airbag system. *tr | |||
| 08/20/2003 | 1 | ||
| I purchased a 2001 ford focus on my way to work while pulling into my parking space the car accelerated unexpectedly then the brakes did not work. i then pulled on the emergency brakes which did not work to immediately stop the car. i crashed head on into the car in front of the parking space. also, upon impact the airbags did not inflate. the car was supposedly to have front and side impact airbags and one in the steering when and nothing happened. my chest went straight into the steering wheel so hard there was a circular imprint around my chest and stomach. after people came to see about me one man asked if my car was off. i said yes and he pointed out the car still looked like it was trying to accelerate. the wheels were spinning full force. i took the car back to the dealership i only had it for 3 days and nothing was done to correct the failure. the owner of the dealership said since the car was in a wreck it was worthless to him and there was nothing he could do. he even threatened that he would call the police if my family and myself did not leave. *jb | |||
| 09/10/2006 | 100000 | 1 | 11/11/2002 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the driver side airbag deployed in an accident and caused burns to the contact driving the vehicle. the airbag warning light was not illuminated. a police report was taken. the vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance agency and was not taken to the service dealer. updated 11/30/2006 - *nm | |||
| 08/25/2006 | 50000 | 1 | 03/01/2003 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was in an accident with an air bag deployment. the airbag caught the contact's shirt on fire (investigation #ea02017) causing third degree burns. the vehicle was taken to the service dealer after the accident, however the insurance company decided the vehicle was a total loss and the dealer never made any comments or determinations. a police report was taken. updated 11/09/06. *jb | |||
| 04/12/2005 | 1 | 04/01/2001 | |
| Hand badly burnt by airbag. *jb | |||
| 03/15/2005 | 58000 | 1 | 08/01/2001 |
| While driving at approximately 40 mph vehicle was in a head on collision. upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. driver sustained face injuries and received 23 stitches in the face. *ak *ak | |||
| 03/16/2005 | 42000 | 1 | |
| Driver's seat belt broke and did not secure the consumer. also, the air bags deployed, breaking the windshield after consumer's vehicle was rear ended. *ak | |||
| 11/24/2004 | 1 | ||
| Consumer was driving less than 10 mph and suddenly there was a soft bumper to bumper collision. consumer's vehicle hit the vehicle that was idle in front. upon impact, the air bags deployed, shattering the winshield. no injuries were reported, but was driver was taken to hospital for evaluation since being seven months pregnant. *ak | |||
| 10/09/2004 | 51067 | 1 | 05/27/2004 |
| I was driving my 2001 ford focus when my air bag light came on. i wasn't in an accident nor had my car been bumped hard. i took it in and they said my drivers seat belt pretensioner needs to be replace and that ford only replaces them for free up to 50000 miles. i just bought this car pre-owned 4 months ago and they say my warranty is no good. this part is going to cost about $200 plus labor. if i don't get this fix my air bag could go off just from me putting my seat belt on. *nm | |||
| 10/05/2004 | 30000 | 1 | 09/08/2001 |
| I was driving in stop-and-go traffic on the highway and the car in front of me braked hard. i saw it too late and hit my brakes, locking them up. i hit the car and the air bags deployed, burning my left arm (though not severely) and breaking the wind shield. the car i hit sustain virtually no damage, except two marks on its rear bumper from the bolts that hold my license plate. my car sustained minimal front end damage. it is likely i was traveling under 10 mph when my car impacted the other car. overall, it is my opinion that the air bag deployment was completely unnecessary. it burnt my arm and caused thousands of dollars of unnecessary damage: both air bag replacements, dash, windshield, seat belts and towing costs. *nm | |||
| 07/16/2004 | 43000 | 1 | 10/08/2001 |
| Time/place: 11pm, friday jul 16 2004, 25 miles before midway service exit pa turnpike events leading to failure: none failure and consequences: with no provocation, drivers side airbag inflated. seat was torn apart, pillar near seat belt was cracked, driver was violently jolted forcing car to swerve slightly. luckily no accident, but driver sprained neck. dealership has agreed to replace airbag and resulting damage b/c still under warranty. *jb | |||
| 12/15/2002 | 92000 | ||
| Since the crash just happened yesterday (12/22/02), i do not have an estimated repair cost yet, but my feeling is that either the bill will be very high or the car will be totaled. my 16 year old daughter was driving. she was doing about 30 mph on the dirt road near our house. a dog ran out in front of her. she tried to stop quickly; the car spun out of control and she hit an embankment/ditch. the airbags deployed, and she received 2nd degree burns on her left arm from the airbag, as well as a burn on her chest from the seatbelt. she also received a bloody nose from the impact of the airbag. we were able to bring her home from the emergency room, so we are grateful, but we are very concerned about how she could have been burned more seriously. | |||
| 01/15/2003 | 0 | ||
| Engine light on. jerky gear engaging. choppy acceleration. 8/02 replaced alternator 8/02 replaced v belt 10/02 blinkers out & electric windows broke 10/02 battery light on "corrosion on wires" 1/03 wouldn't start, battery light on, "wire fell off alternator" airbag light on then off | |||
| 07/15/2003 | 65000 | ||
| The tire and the brakes went out and the car stated sliding. after the crash there were bolts that were found on the grass where the crash happened | |||
| 10/27/2003 | 36211 | 3 | 03/21/2001 |
| Leaking from windshield to dash to passenger cabin: in heavy rains and car washes water would come in though the windshield seal and run down into the dash near air bag and come out near fuel shut off valve. ford wanted $1,000 to fix this. the problem happened on other ford focus models. i was told there was a service advisor and that nothing would be covered under warranty. after discussing this matter, i got price down to $150.*ak | |||
| 09/05/2003 | 1 | ||
| Owner stated that driver's side air bag is coming through the steering wheel.*ak | |||
| 09/13/2003 | 16500 | 1 | 10/05/2001 |
| Airbags deployed at minor fender-bender, so minor that there was no damage to either car, the only damage was from the airbags-caused the winshield to break and a second degree burn on driver's right arm. | |||
| 06/17/2003 | 7 | 11/19/2001 | |
| The dealer changed the front and rear brake 3 times , the rotors. twice, however the problem continued. consumer indicated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. multiple problems with vehicle. *ak *cb. the hub cap was loose and fell off, the clock spring was replaced, the turn and brake lights were inoperative, the exhaust system made a loud noise, the dealer replaced the pipe and gasket, the seat belt buckle was replaced, because the seat belt light failed to go out. *jb | |||
| 07/06/2002 | 18000 | 04/10/2001 | |
| I have had nothing but trouble with this car since i have had it. the rear end makes loud noise, i have brought it back to the dealership numerous times, and they always tell me nothing is wrong. it makes a roaring noise in the rear end, and something is scrapping on the tire on the rear driver side. in july, i was traveling on the highway with my 3 kids, and the tire on the rear driver's side just went to pieces. we were in a terrible accident. we went off the highway into the woods where the trees stopped our acceleration. the airbags did not come out. i was so thankful to be alive, and my kids also. we sustained about 8000 dollars worth of damage. the car was repaired, and now the same tire that blew out, and was replaced by the repairman is worn again. i am afraid everytime i drive. i can't afford another car, and no one wants to take it as a trade-in because of the botched deal upon purchase of this car. this is the car from heck. now my warranty has expired, and the roaring noise in the rear is getting louder and louder. i have had the most horrible experience in my life with this car. it is a lemon on wheels, and the dealership always says nothing is wrong. i have had a conversation with another focus owner, and she has described some of the same problems. i have also had conversations with mechanics at the dealership, and they speak of all the focus' they see as trouble. please help. *nlm | |||
| While driving the vehicle at 35mph was involved on side collision at the driver side and neither air bag deploy. dealer has been notified. please provide further information. ts | |||
| 12/08/2002 | 06/27/2002 | ||
| On sunday december 8, 2002 i was driving my 2001 ford focus zx3 and i was trying to turn onto the freeway and my car wouldn't turn all the way and went out of control and i crashed into a curb and when the airbags deployed my left forearm was burnt. | |||
| 11/28/2002 | 1 | 11/01/2001 | |
| Focus was broad sided on the driver's side by a full size oldsmobile traveling aproximately 45 mph. the side air bag did not deploy. dt | |||
| 11/15/2002 | 2 | 08/01/2001 | |
| Both air bags deployed while driving and resultied in drivers loss of control and crash into parking lot barrier which resulted in vehicle rollover. dt | |||
| 10/29/2002 | |||
| Consumer states that when driving and without warning the air bag inadvertently deploy causing the consumer to pull over. dealer notified. mr | |||
| 10/18/2002 | |||
| When coming to a light both airbags deployed with the bumper cracked slightly. the front windshield was smashed upon deployment with driver receiving burns and choking from chemicals. please describe details. ts | |||
| 10/12/2002 | 1 | ||
| Consumer states the air bag on the driver side deployed upon impact. the toxic chemical inside gave the consumer 2nd degree burns on the right arm. the dealer was informed. mr | |||
| 05/16/2002 | 11/01/2001 | ||
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 08/26/2002 | 2 | 11/01/2000 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 08/24/2002 | 07/01/2001 | ||
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 06/21/2002 | 1 | 02/01/2001 | |
| While driving at 5 mph, a minor accident occurred where consumer's vehicle bumped into into another vehicle. the air bags deployed prematurely causing the windshield to shatter. consumer received burns to hands and eyes. *tt *ts | |||
| 05/12/2002 | 1 | ||
| While driving the consumer was involved in an accident. upon impact the air bag deployed and caught on fire. the consumer suffered severe burns. (attorney for client, keith couture, states not to contact client, address and phone above are that of the attorney). *yh | |||
| 1 | 02/01/2001 | ||
| Consumer stated that the air bags deployed during a rear end accident, injuring the driver and the passenger who sustained severe face burns. also, the windshield shattered and covered the occupants with glass. *tt | |||
| 1 | 08/01/2001 | ||
| The issues with the air bag is that upon deployment it shattered the windshield, showering glass throughout the interior of the car causing cuts and scratches in addition to the burns from the air bag components. ford corporate stated that this was abnormal, however the dealer service department stated this was normal. *ak | |||
| 1 | 02/01/2001 | ||
| Consumer stated that the air bags deployed during a rear end accident, injuring the driver and the passenger who sustained severe face burns. also, the windshield shattered and covered the occupants with glass. *tt | |||
| 12/27/2001 | 1 | 12/27/2001 | |
| Airbag light was on. light stays on while vehicle is running. contacted dealer and dealer stated to bring vehicle in. *ak *jb | |||
| 10/19/2001 | |||
| While driving vehicle at 35 mph and suddenly braking air bags depolyed without reason. contacted dealer, and dealer stated sensor reading indicated airbags had not deployed. sending a representative to check vehicle. *ak | |||
| 08/14/2001 | 06/18/2001 | ||
| While i was parked i wanted to simulate how it would feel holding onto the assist handle as i was making a sharp left turn and as i dis this, the handle broke and half of it detached from its mounted position. | |||
| AIR BAGS - FRONTAL | |||
| 07/11/2010 | 35500 | ||
| In july of 2010 i was driving my 2001 ford focus in stop and go traffic. the lady infront of me stopped, i had turned for a second, when i turned back i saw the airbags blow in my face. i was traveling a maximum of 10mph there was no damage to the other vehicle or mine (from the accident). the driver airbag burned my arm, the passenger shattered the windsheild, gun powder covered the roof lining. the parts manager at the local dealership said that the airbags where rated 25-30mph. i contacted ford in august of 2010, in january of 2011 they finally replied by saying that all epuipment functioned properly. | |||
| 12/30/2010 | 145000 | ||
| I own a 2001 ford focus. i was in stop and go traffic on a road near my house when i accidentally bumped the person in front of me. both my passenger and my driver's side airbags deployed, smashing my windshield! the officer that reported to the scene said that there was no way i was going fast enough for them to deploy because i had been sitting in the traffic for a while and we were merely rolling. there was no damage to the front of my car or to the back of the other person's car so i feel that the airbags probably should not have gone off. is it possible that this is a defect?? | |||
| 04/24/2009 | 113000 | 1 | |
| My daughter was driving 2001 ford focus se wagon approximately 45mph when she described steering locked up in turn then she heard tires squealing and vehicle jerked hard left causing her to go off the road, hit a rock wall and flipped the car end over end. the air bags did not deploy. she landed upside down but was able to exit vehicle through broken window. she received cuts and bruises and was taken to emergency room for x-rays where they said she had no serious injuries and was released. on scene investigation by police and tow truck operated suggested ball joint failure or other steering/suspension failure. car was totaled. *tr | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 1 | ||
| 2001 ford focus passenger air bag deployed although seat was unoccupied. *ts ***nar*** | |||
| 12/19/2005 | 69000 | 1 | 08/01/2001 |
| Dt: the contact stated while driving in bumper to bumper traffic the air bags deployed without any impact to the vehicle. this incident caused the contact's vehicle to hit another vehicle. both bumpers cracked. a police report was taken at the scene. the manufacturer recommended that no other mechanic look at the vehicle until they determine what occurred. *ak | |||
| 10/28/2005 | 85000 | 1 | 03/27/2004 |
| Dt: the contact's vehicle was involved in a crash and the air bags did not deploy. the contact was driving at 40 mph when hitting another vehicle. the contact hit the steering wheel with her head, and when she did so, the air bags then deployed. the point of impact was the front end of vehicle. the contact sustained minor injuries since she was wearing seat belts. a police and insurance reports were taken. *ak. | |||
| 10/14/2005 | 1 | ||
| My son was driving our 2001 ford focus wagon on 10/14/05 when he was involved in a frontal collision in which both airbags deployed. he sustained 2nd degree burns on his left arm, from wrist to elbow, due to the airbag chemicals venting in an improper way. he is being treated by a physician for his injuries. the vehicle is not being driven at present. *nm | |||
| 09/30/2005 | 52000 | 1 | 04/30/2004 |
| (1) airbag warning light started flashing on for a little while then going out a few days before accident. (2) in stop and go traffic, airbags deployed without warning and without cause in turn causing me to release clutch and bump in to the car in front of me. additionally airbag caused 2nd degree burns on my left wrist and sprained knuckles on right hand. (3) car is currently at autoway ford for evaluation/repair. *jb | |||
| 09/11/2005 | 56000 | 1 | 09/03/2002 |
| The airbag deployed and burned the driver. the car filled with smoke immediately. *jb | |||
| 09/15/2004 | 1 | 09/24/2001 | |
| I rear-ended a vehicle in front of me at a stop light. mph was less than 10. both airbags deployed giving me 2nd degree burns to my hand and arm resulting in loss of work for several days and scarring. my windshield also shattered. the vehicle that was hit had no damage. my was very minimal. my airbags and windshield were replaced, but my steering wheel was never fixed. with the many numerous recalls on this vehicle plus this incident, my wife and i feel unsafe in this car. | |||
| 06/09/2005 | 54000 | 1 | 04/02/2003 |
| Accident happened at dept. store parking lot. hit concrete pole in parking lot causing airbags to deploy and causing airbag burns on wrist. car totaled. | |||
| 04/27/2005 | 1 | 06/27/2004 | |
| I was in a car accident where the driver side air bag deployed and caused a third degree burn on my right arm and stomach. it imploded and burned a 6-8 inch hole in my sweatshirt and jeans. | |||
| 05/13/2005 | |||
| Focus driver hit rear of another vehicle at stop light - both focus air bags deployed. passanger air bag door hit windshield so hard it shattered windshield and shards of glass went every where inside the vehicle. luckly there was no passanger or injury could have resulted from fly glass. focus and other driver were not injured. complaint is the poor location of passanger airbag. when activated the winshield is destroyed because of the passanger airbag door. glass goes everywhere inside vehicle. | |||
| 03/14/2005 | 21000 | 1 | 09/08/2001 |
| The air bags on a 2001 for focus deployed when there was no impact. ford will not take responsibility for this problem because the black box says the air bags deployed for a reason. there was no physical damage was done to the car except from the air bags. there was no accident report to file by the police because there was no impact, with another vehicle or without. she was driving 10 mph in traffic and used her brakes. *ak *sc *jb | |||
| 03/07/2005 | 1 | ||
| While applying the brake pedal driver's air bag deployed inadvertently. this caused the driver to sustain minor injuries. vehicle was towed to a garage for inspection. the cause has not been determined at this time. *ak | |||
| 11/30/2004 | 63000 | 1 | |
| While stopped at a light the frontal air bags deployed inadvertently. the driver sustained third degree burns to her face, lip, and neck area. the cause has yet to be determined. *jb *sc *jb | |||
| 10/27/2004 | 39863 | 1 | 10/27/2004 |
| Both front air bags deployed inadvertently while driving 35-40 mph. dealer was notified.*ak | |||
| 10/20/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving, the frontal air bags deployed inadvertently without warning. the driver was not hur,t but seeked medical attention the next day. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. please fill in additional information. | |||
| 08/02/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving at 72 mph c onsumer lost consciousness and vehicle took a nose dive off the inner state, rolling over, and landing on another road up side down. upon impact air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to retract. driver sustained 11 staples to the back of head, stitches and cuts to the left eye and left arm and other upper, and lower bodily injuries. the vehicle is totaled.*ak | |||
| 05/25/2004 | 36000 | 1 | |
| During a 5 mph rear end collision, the driver's side air bag deployed. the particles inside the air bag caused 3rd degree burns to the consumer upper body. please provide more information. *jb | |||
| 06/16/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving 50-55 mph consumer applied force to brakes to avoid a collision. driver's side brakes locked up, causing vehicle to sway off the road into a ditch, and vehicle struck a tree head on. upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. *ak | |||
| 03/04/2004 | 31000 | 1 | |
| While driving 55 mph vehicle was involved in a head on collision. upon impact, dual airbags did not deploy. no injuries reported. *ak | |||
| 11/14/2003 | 1 | ||
| While driving at 50 mph on the highway driver lost control of the vehicle, and crashed into a guard rail head on. upon impact, both frontal air bags did not deploy. *ak | |||
| 12/06/2003 | 1 | ||
| Airbags where improperly configured in the passenger side. *la the consumer rear ended another vehicle while attempting to come to a stop. the impact was not severe but the frontal air bags deployed. the air bag deployment also shattered the windshield. *nm | |||
| 12/18/2003 | 37500 | 1 | 03/01/2001 |
| While driving over ice at 25 mph the consumer was unable to stop the vehicle, consequently the vehicle rear ended another vehicle. the front air bags deployed, however the force of the passenger side air bag caused the windshield to shatter. please provide any additional information. *nlm *jb | |||
| 09/29/2003 | 10/19/2000 | ||
| I was involved in an accident in my 2001 ford focus. both driver and passenger air bags deployed, the driver side airbag gave me second degree burns on the inside of my right wrist and hand. | |||
| 39000 | 1 | ||
| The vehicle was involved in a frontal collision and only the passenger side air bag deployed upon impact. the driver sustained severe head injuries. *jb | |||
| 08/31/2001 | 1 | ||
| Consumer complained about air bag problems. vehicle was involved in a front end collision, air bags deployed, and burned several different parts of consumer's face and arms. manufacturer was not contacted at time of this call . *ak | |||
| 12/11/2002 | |||
| Low speed impact. 2001 ford focus rear ended another vehicle. frontal air bags deployed in the 2001 ford focus. an accident reconstruction was completed and it was concluded there was no physical evidence found that would show cause for the frontal air bags to deploy. | |||
| 08/12/2003 | 1 | 11/12/2000 | |
| Ford focus sped up for no reason and then veered to left crossing left lane and went into ditch which had a culvert and the car then bounced into a cornfield. airbags deployed for both driver and passenger. driver had broken ribs and other bruises. passenger had chest injuries from which he died couple hours later. the inspecting officer said witnesses insisted they did not see brake lights, and if there was anything wrong with the car the driver would have hit the brakes. driver remembered the accident, and was awake and talking to passenger. she was hospitalized and had neurological tests and did not have a stroke. *ak | |||
| 07/22/2003 | 38000 | 1 | |
| Consumer had a front collision and neither of the air bags deployed. dealer notified. *ak vehicle's engine stalled causing steering and brake failure causing a collision into the side of a mountain. air bag equipment failed to deploy on impact. *mr | |||
| 07/14/2003 | 1 | ||
| Consumer stated was involved in front collision and neither of the air bags deployed. dealer notified. *ak | |||
| 05/30/2003 | 32652 | 4 | 03/08/2003 |
| While traveling on the highway and without prior warning. another vehicle jumped in front of the consumer's vehicle, and caused the consumer to hit the vehicle. on two separate occasions, the consumer was unable to stop the vehicle. *ak *cb *jb | |||
| 06/29/2003 | 15413 | 1 | 10/28/2001 |
| The consumers vehicle rear ended another vehicle at 5 mph and both air bags deployed shattering the windshield. the police stated that the air bags should not have deployed because there was no damage to the front end of the vehicle. *ak *nlm | |||
| The vehicle hit another vehicle at a very low speed and the air bags deployed. *nlm | |||
| 01/04/2003 | 58000 | 04/30/2001 | |
| On jan 4, 2003 while driving in the fog at a low speed of approximately 30 miles or a little less the airbags in my 2001 ford focus intermittently deployed causing the windshield to break and throwing us and the car up on a meridian. the airbags were emitting black smoke and the damage to the bottom of the car amount to $6188.00. fortunately, we were not seriously hurt and there was no other vehicle involved. | |||
| 12/23/2002 | 58000 | 0 | 08/10/2001 |
| I was driving through a parking lot as i wet over a speed bump both front airbags deployed. shattering the front windshield. driver got minor burns on left arm passenger was hit with glass from windshield. ts | |||
| 11/28/2002 | 19000 | 1 | 07/01/2001 |
| Consumer states that when hit at 30mph in the front center of the vehicle, the air bags did not deploy resulting in minor injuries to the consumer. dealer notified. ph *jg | |||
| 09/23/2002 | |||
| Consumer states involved in a minor fender bender at 5-7mph. there was no front end damage to the vehicle. both the driver and passenger air bags deployed. the driver's air bag sparked a flame on consumer's shirt resulting in second degree burns. *mr | |||
| 08/08/2002 | 1 | ||
| Consumer involved in a frontal collision at 10 mph. both the driver and passenger air bags deployed. the passenger bag shattered the windshield causing glass to fly around vehicle causing injuries. *mr | |||
| 08/29/2002 | 1 | 05/01/2001 | |
| Both airbags deployed in my ford focus when my vehicle (at rest) collided with a truck that was traveling at approximately 25 mph. i sustained second degree burns to both arms and face from the air bags.*ak | |||
| 06/20/2002 | 1 | 08/01/2001 | |
| A uhaul truck smashed into the back of my car, sandwiching my focus with the car in front of me. the crash was so strong my car is a total loss. however, none of the airbags deployed. i've contacted my dealership and ford motor company but they did not give me any attention.*ak | |||
| 10/21/2001 | |||
| In a frontal collision air bags deployed. driver's hands, all the way to elbow, caught on fire, resulting in second degreen burns.*ak | |||
| 08/31/2002 | |||
| While driving down parkway 70 mph driver swerved to miss an animal on road. then, lost control, leaving the road into a ditch, and striking tree against passenger's side. driver's air bag deployed, and heat burned driver on wris,t melting a bracelet to arm. please describe details. *ak | |||
| 08/15/2002 | 1 | 10/01/2001 | |
| While turning into a parking lot, front passenger side tire hit curve and driver and passenger's side airbags deployed. consumer suffered second degee burns on hands and arms. consumer felt airbags should not have deployed.*ak.*jb | |||
| 04/27/2002 | |||
| Driver sustained second degree burns on arm from air bag deployment in a frontal collision of 40 mph. dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. feel free to provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 07/26/2002 | |||
| Front crash at unknown speed, neither airbag deployed. no injuries, damage to vehicle unknown at this time. please provide additional information.*ak | |||
| 07/08/2002 | |||
| This was a rental car. the air bag deployed in a prox 5 mph impact. i received 2nd degree burns to the back of my left hand.*ak | |||
| 02/25/2002 | 1 | 02/28/2001 | |
| While at a complete stop was involved in a head on collision. upon impact, air bags did not deploy, resulting in major body injuries.*ak *yh | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer was in an automobile accident. upon impact the passengers seatbelt did not lock, allowing passenger to move forward hitting the windshield, face first. the air bag deployed after the initial impact of the accident. resulting in facial swellling of the passenger and 3 loose teeth. consumers air bag opened later also, but the seat belt locked and consumer only suffered a badly burned thumb. *jg | |||
| 07/27/2002 | |||
| Vehicle bumped into a garbage can at 2-3 mph causing minimal damage to bumper. both airbags did not deploy.*ak | |||
| 03/12/2002 | |||
| Consumer's vehicle was involved in a collision. dealer advised consumer that air bags should not have deployed because vehicle was hit at less than a 30 degree angle.*ak | |||
| 06/28/2002 | 3 | 09/01/2001 | |
| The car has completely shutdown without any warning on three occasions. the first time while driving at approx. 25+mph... the car started to stall and i hit the curb (right tire/wheel hit the curb), both airbags went off (why????) and burned my arm (really bad) and broke the windshield. i did not report the problem because i found out that geico (insurance company) had lost (or not received) my online application so i had no coverage and therefore i would have to pay for all the repairs myself. new windshield, airbag, wheel... cost $3000+ i'm still paying for the repairs. the second time it happened when i stopped on red light (i just thoght i was running out of gas...), then; yesterday 06/28/02 i was driving home on hwy 192 at approx. 45mph and the engine lost all power (no warning) , i got scared and hit the brakes and pulled over almost causing an accident in the intersection. it's been raining here in fl almost everyday, i am glad the road was not wet when it happened... it could've been much worse. my car is a 2001 ford focus zx3 with only 7500 miles, so it's not an old car. after some quick research i found out this problem has been happening for a while now... and many of my focaljet.com (online ford focus club) friends had the same problem. so, i have to respectfully ask you and everyone else reading this; when will you (and/or ford) do something about it? i've just found out that i am paying ($3000+, and i only make min. wage) for and small accident that could have been avoided... sorry, i am really upset, i almost caused a high-speed/multiple-car accident in the middle of hwy 192 and i as well as other people could have been hurt. please help ! ! !*ak | |||
| 10/09/2001 | 1 | 10/09/2001 | |
| While driving, vehicle was involved in a single car front-end collision. the driver side air bag deployed as expected, however something in the process caught the sleeve of driver's jacket on fire. driver received severe burns. there was an area the size of the hole in the jacket where the material had melted to the air bag. consumer believes that the propellant used to deploy the air bag caused the fire. consumer was advised that the air bags can deploy at temperatures of 500 degrees fahrenheit. however no success in contacting manufacturer concerning the problem. *tt *yd *nm | |||
| 08/10/2001 | |||
| Vehicle was involved in a minor fender bender. upon impact, air bags deployed and broke windsheild/ bruned driver's hand, and melted his jacket.*ak | |||
| 05/26/2002 | 1 | ||
| Air bags deployed without vehicle being in an accident. driver sustained burns to his body. *ak consumer was applying the brakes to avoid hitting another vehicle when the airbags deployed and burnt his left hand. *jg | |||
| 04/26/2002 | 1 | 08/08/2001 | |
| Vehicle was involved in a minor collision in which driver and passenger's air bags deployed, and passenger sustained major injuries. dealer has been notified. *ak consumer also stated the seat belts did not perform properly. yh | |||
| 07/15/2001 | 1 | ||
| While driving at 5mph a frontal collision occurred. upon impact, both air bags voilently deployed causing major injuries to driver, there was minor damage to the vehicle.*ak vehicle stalled due to fuel system failure. fuel pump has been replaced. *jg *nlm | |||
| 03/23/2002 | |||
| While driving at 20 mph two front air bags deployed,and then passenger's side air bag bursted and burned passenger. contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*aki | |||
| 05/02/2002 | |||
| While driving at 45 mph consumer was involved in a frontal collision, and none of front air bags deployed. cause unknown. *ak | |||
| 04/25/2002 | 1 | 04/01/2002 | |
| I got into an accident at approx 20 mph and the air bags deployed, the passenger side air bag shattered the windshield and the driver side air bag burst a flame and smoke, burned my blouse and bra, and burned me with second to third degree burns.*ak | |||
| 04/12/2002 | 1 | 06/01/2001 | |
| Upon impact airbags deployed, and i (the driver) received second-degree burns to my abdomen. | |||
| 04/07/2002 | 12/01/2000 | ||
| My 16 year-old daughter was involved in what should have been a minor accident. both airbags deployed. driver's side airbag deployed at such a speed it caught her sleeves on fire. once her sleeves were on fire she panicked thinking her hair was going to catch fire, which caused her to lose control of the car and end up in someone's yard. the passenger side airbag did not deploy towards the passenger seat, instead it deployed towards the windshield causing the windshield to shatter. the car has been totalled by the insurance company. being that this car is targeted towards teens and young adults, something needs to be addressed about the airbags and at the rate of speed in which they deploy. this is what caused the car to be totalled, otherwise she would have been able to be in control to save the car and herself from 2nd and 3rd degree burns that she suffered on her arms.*ak | |||
| 03/30/2002 | 1 | 07/01/2001 | |
| Impacted another vehicle at about 10mph. struck vehicle had no damage - not a scratch. my vehicle -- crack in the front plastic bumper was the only damage to the exterior. airbags deployed and caused the rest of the damage -- to my car and to me. | |||
| 11/01/2001 | 1 | 01/01/2001 | |
| As i was exiting the expressway both air bags deployed. i had no sensation of hitting anything and both the local police and the state police found no evidence as such. i returned to expressway to get the car repaired and the engine died. the car was towed to the kalamazoo mi. ford dealership, where they determined i hit something. i think that i would have felt it if i had hit anything big enough to ruin the engine and fire the air bags. the vehicle was deemed not worth repairing and scrapped. that is why i don't have all the data you asked for. you may get the accident report by calling 616-668-3661. ask for report #143601, or calling ge capital at the number on your form. i hope this will be of some use to you and i would like to know if others have had the same type of incident. i work for xerox and we lease a lot of these. thanks, jim nickless. *ak | |||
| 03/10/2002 | 05/01/2001 | ||
| I was in a 20 mile per hour accident and the airbag deployedand burned my arm . i received second degree burns to my left arm and will have pemanent tissue damage to it. i was never in any danger that the air bag needed to go off, and was the only injured person in this accident . i would not have been hurt at all if the airbag had not gone off. my hands were in the 10 and 2 position and it seems that the ventilation tubes on the back airbag release the 300 degree chemicles right on to your hand. *ak | |||
| 01/11/2002 | |||
| Pe 02 020 air bag burn injuries /vehicle was involved in a frontal collision, and both air bags deployed. chemicals from the air bag burned driver's hands and melted through driver's jacket. dealer has been notified. feel free to provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 03/15/2002 | |||
| While driving 5 mph both airbags deployed, no injuries. damage to vehicle was $ 4100.00.*ak | |||
| While driving 25 mph vehicle jolted to the right and front rear tire deflated. both airbags deployed without warning, and windshield shattered. dealer contacted.*ak | |||
| 07/01/2001 | |||
| While traveling on highway another vehicle veered into consumer's vehicle and dual airbag didn't go off. also, tire tread separated , and there was wear and tear inside of wheel.*ak | |||
| 03/08/2002 | |||
| While driving 25 mph hit an electrical pole and airbags did not deploy. frontal impact. driver and passenger injured. dealer contacted. *ak | |||
| 01/23/2002 | 1 | 11/03/2000 | |
| Consumer was involved in an accident, and the air bags failed to deploy.*ak. consumer also stated the the vehicle was hit from the side and the side air bags did not deploy.*slc | |||
| 12/11/2001 | 1 | ||
| While driving 5 mph, tires brushed up against curb and both airbags deployed. driver suffered third degree burns on left arm, and passenger suffered injuries the on face, vehicle was a enterprise rental.*ak | |||
| While driving 45mph, another vehicle cut in front. this caused focus to rearend other vehicle. upon rear ending other vehicle air bags failed to deploy. had contacted dealership and manufacturer. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| 08/22/2001 | 02/01/2001 | ||
| Daughter was driving to work and crossed railroad tracks at approx 35 miles per hour. after crossing tracks (bump) suspect both air bags deployed without any front end contact. she lost control of vehicle due to air bag deployment and hit a telephone poll on driver side door area. poll fell and high tension wire fell to ground and caused fire. emergeny services called and she was taken to a hospital and treated for multible injuries.*ak | |||
| While driving 15-20 mph had minor collision, air bags deployed, causing major damage to dashboard panel and windshield.*ak | |||
| 12/24/2001 | |||
| Consumer hit another vehicle head-on. upon impact, neither airbag deployed. vehicle was totalled.*ak | |||
| 10/26/2001 | 1 | ||
| While stopping at a red light consumer's vehicle was struck by another car on front/right fender while traveling approximately 25 to 30 mph. this impact caused both frontal air bags to deploy, and driver's clothing caught on fire, resulting in first degree burns. no determination has been made as to cause of air bags deploying in a non-frontal crash situation. *ak *tt | |||
| 09/15/2001 | 0 | ||
| While entering highway consumer's vehicle was hit by another vehicle. consumer was knocked unconscious, and did not remember what happened right before being hit. consumer was thrown two hundred feet. upon impact, airbags didn't deploy. drivier's side door did not stay locked. please provide any further information. *ak | |||
| 09/25/2001 | 09/01/2000 | ||
| An accident occurred at 25mph and passenger airbag deployed and shattered the windshield. *ak | |||
| 08/30/2001 | 12/01/2000 | ||
| Air bags deployed during a minor rear end accident. vehicle speed was at 10mph or less. there was no sheet metal damage to either vehicle, nott even a scratch on the bumper of either vehicle. when the bags deployed, my spouse was injured by the flying winshield glass that was shattered by the airbags. she required 6 stiches to her toe. | |||
| 06/11/2001 | 1 | 03/01/2001 | |
| The driver side seatbelt won't deploy and remained in the fixed position. my girlfriend dropped the vehicle off at the dealer to get it fixed, and the dealer didn't even offer a rental car or anything to help remedy the situation. in instances like this, the dealer could've been held responsible for the accident involving her car had she not had any passive restraints. | |||
| 06/13/2001 | |||
| While traveling at approximately 10 mph vehicle went over a bump and both frontal air bags deployed, causing damage to interior of vehicle. windshield was shattered, and rearview mirror destroyed. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak | |||
| AIR BAGS - FRONTAL - SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE | |||
| 05/27/2005 | 41000 | 1 | 12/14/2004 |
| Dt: 8-10 months ago consumer bought a 2001 ford focus. service dealer noticed air bag sensor was not working and went ahead and installed a new air bag. this weekend was involved in an accident and the airbag did not deploy. this past weekend consumer's vehicle was involved in a frontal impact involving another vehicle. no repairs as of yet were done. the airbags had not been checked out, no explanation was given as to why the airbags did not deploy. *ak | |||
| 11/28/2004 | 3 | 02/02/2004 | |
| Steering wheel locks when key is put in the ignition. the ignition switch and clock spring were replaced twice before. vehicle will be taken to dealer for repairs again.*ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| While driving air bag indicator light illuminated and stayed on during the duration of the drive. this occurred with out any collision. *ak | |||
| 08/22/2003 | 400000 | 2 | 05/20/2003 |
| I was sitting at a red light. when the light turned green, the driver in front of me moved and i moved behind him i must have slightly tapped his bumper. i am saying must have because the other driver kept on going as nothing had happened. both air bags deployed and the passenger bag cracked the windshield. the driver's air bag gave me 2nd and 3rd degrees burns on my left arm. i called ford trying to get them to fix it for free because i feel that the switch that enables the air bags is defective and because the car only has 40,000 miles and their warranty is 36,000. ford told me to get my insurance to pay for it. my car has no damage with the exception of the air bags and windshield. *nlm | |||
| AIR BAGS - SIDE/WINDOW | |||
| 05/12/2011 | 90251 | ||
| I was driving my 2001 ford focus and for no reason the paqssenger seat side air bag went off. the loud noise scared me and i almost wreck the vehicle. my ears are still rinnging from the loud blast from the air bag went off. i checked and found there are some pending law suites for this same occurrance in other 2001 ford focus. i feel the ford motor co. needs to look into this problem before someone get seriosly hurt or killed. | |||
| 03/30/2005 | 68000 | 1 | 10/25/2004 |
| Slow speed accident. accident resulted in no damage to vechicle hit and no damage to our vehicle. passenger and driver side airbags deployed. pasenger side air bag broke windshield and sent fragments of glass from the visor mirror throughout the car. *ak | |||
| 01/03/2005 | 1 | 03/06/2001 | |
| Driver side airbag deployed at low speed,2001 ford focus. *ak | |||
| 07/07/2002 | 1 | 07/01/2001 | |
| Attempting to enter freeway at approx 50 mph, the front right felt like it was starting to skid. the next thing i know, the airbags had deployed, with the passenger air bag cover shattering the windshield. no sheet metal damage to car. the front right ball joint had separated, the control arm broke, causing the tire to go flat at a 45 degree angle to the path of travel, tore up the wheel and broke the rotor. the only thing holding the front wheel to the car was the strut tower. police came out but no report done. ford will not honor warranty even though car has less than 19000 miles on it. this is wrong as front suspension collapsed, and airbags should not have deployed as car skidded/slid to a stop.*ak | |||
| Air bags deployed with minor frontal impact while coming to a stop. passenger's side air bag cover flipped up and shattered entire winshield. only damage to other vehicle was license plate falling off.*ak | |||
| 03/23/2002 | |||
| While driving at 20 mph two front air bags deployed,and then passenger's side air bag bursted and burned passenger. contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*aki | |||
| 05/02/2002 | 1 | 01/01/2001 | |
| Airbag deployed at less than 20mph. neck injury. *ak | |||
| 05/01/2002 | |||
| While traveling at 60 mph on interstate passenger' side airbag deployed without warning. there was no bumps or sudden stop that could have caused airbag to deploy. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 03/20/2002 | 1 | 04/01/2001 | |
| I was broadsided by a bus moving about 30 mph on my driver side and the side airbag did not deploy. when i notified ford they said i should bring the car to a dealership to have the sensors checked at my expense. *ak | |||
| 06/01/2001 | |||
| Passenger's side airbag sticks out of dash. consumer feels slightest bump/ or sudden stop may cause airbag to deploy. please provide any furthr information.*ak | |||
| 01/23/2002 | 1 | 11/03/2000 | |
| Consumer was involved in an accident, and the air bags failed to deploy.*ak. consumer also stated the the vehicle was hit from the side and the side air bags did not deploy.*slc | |||
| 04/26/2001 | |||
| Vehicle was involved in a side collision. upon impact, passenger's side airbag did not deploy.*ak | |||