Diagsheet

2017 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet

Airbag warning light or recall

  • 34owner reports
  • 46,500median miles
  • 9involved a crash

Newest report Sep 3, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

34 of the 1,683 complaints on this car describe airbag.

Tick what matches of 34 reports

23
15
4
4

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 Sep 9, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the airbags on the Explorer

EA02-010opened Jul 2, 2002
Airbags · model years 2002

Mis-assembled airbag clockspring. Closed feb 25, 2003.

NHTSA summary
IN JULY 2001, FORD ISSUED A SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGE ANNOUNCING THAT SOME AIR BAGCLOCKSPRING DEVICES MAY PRODUCE NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED FULL LEFT OR RIGHT.FORD WAS AWARE THAT SOME CLOCKSPRINGS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED.THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION MAY ALSO CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE.STARTING WITH VEHICLES PRODUCED IN SEPTEMBER 2001, FORD ADDING LENGTH TO THE CLOCKSPRING WIRE TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF DAMAGE FROM IMPROPER INSTALLATION.ODI'S INVESTIGATION REVEALED 32 COMLAINTS (VEHICLE BUILT PRIOR TO SEPT. 2001) OF WARNING LIGHT BUT NO CRASHES, INJURIES, LAWSUITS OR CLAIMS.A SAFETY DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY REPORT.
SQ01-015opened Dec 12, 2001
Airbags · model years 2002

Inoperative air bag system. Closed jul 2, 2002.

NHTSA summary
SQ99-026opened Nov 19, 1999
Airbags · model years 1999

Airbag system's light dysfunctional. Closed may 23, 2000.

NHTSA summary
There is no summary currently available

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.

217
518
219
420
321
322
123
424
725
326

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 doesn’t 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.

Other problems on this car