2017 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Airbag warning light or recall
- 34owner reports
- 46,500median miles
- 9involved a crash
Newest report Sep 3, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
34 of the 1,693 complaints on this car describe airbag.
Tick what matches of 34 reports
Airbag on other Explorer years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Airbag complaints split into a few kinds. The most common is an airbag warning light that won't go out. Others involve the passenger seat sensor switching the passenger bag off with an adult sitting there, an airbag that didn't deploy in a crash, or one that went off without a crash at all. A large share also come from owners waiting on a recall part.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the occupant sensor (15 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the airbags covers the 2017 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the airbags on the Explorer
Mis-assembled airbag clockspring. Closed feb 25, 2003.
Inoperative air bag system. Closed jul 2, 2002.
Airbag system's light dysfunctional. Closed may 23, 2000.
None of these investigations covers the 2017 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 28,526 and 60,000 miles, from the 16 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Constant fail of O2 sensor and ABS causing check engine and ABS lights to come on. After diagnosis, did research and it is a common problem on Ford Explorers”
Filed Sep 13, 2025
“The air bag light is illuminated as a result of a worn/damaged connection to the rear inflatable seat belt connector.”
Filed Apr 15, 2025
“The airbag light on my vehicle comes on quite often. If there is a passenger sitting in the seat, it tells me that the airbags off. Nothing has happened yet but if the airbag doesnât go during your crash, could cause severe injury. Can be inspected but plan to see what issue is and have it fixed soon.”
Filed Jan 13, 2025
“Air bag light came on the dash board Headed to dealer to see why Code B141C Cost to repair the problem was very high not covered by warranty The problem seems to me a poor design. Because of this weak design I feel this puts passengers in danger.”
Filed Mar 5, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 9 of 34 reports involved a crash and 11 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 418 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 285 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 125 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 76 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 65 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 61 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 59 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 57 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 51 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 50 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 40 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 39 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 34 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 30 reports
- Paint peels or body rusts 30 reports