2013 Ford Explorer airbags problems
severe 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2013 Ford Explorer airbag system has a documented pattern of both failure to deploy in collisions at 30–60 mph and unexplained deployment during normal driving. Owners have sustained serious injuries in both scenarios, and Ford declined to disclose recall details or inspect vehicles when complaints were made.
The 2013 Ford Explorer airbag system shows two distinct failure patterns across these complaints. First, airbags consistently fail to deploy during significant impacts—front-end, rear-end, and broadside collisions at speeds from 25 to 60 mph. Owners report vehicles sustained total-loss damage, bent frames, and injuries to the chest, neck, shoulder, and knee, yet neither driver-side nor passenger-side airbags deployed. In most cases, no warning lights or diagnostic indicators appeared before the collision. One owner at 76,000 miles did see an airbag warning light illuminate and retrieved codes B141B and BNR B141C at the dealer, but the vehicle was not repaired.
The second pattern is spontaneous deployment: at 42,000 miles during routine 25 mph driving, airbags deployed without any collision, causing the driver to lose consciousness and crash into a front porch with facial and nasal injuries.
Dealership responses were inconsistent. One service manager mentioned a recall in June 2014 with parts unavailable until September, but refused to disclose the recall number or explanation. Ford declined to send an inspector to at least one impounded vehicle despite owner request. Multiple vehicles were towed but not repaired, either due to total loss or owner inability to pursue the issue further.
Same Ford Explorer airbags reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Airbags fail to deploy in collision
In multiple impact events at speeds ranging from 25 to 60 mph, airbags did not deploy despite sufficient force to cause significant vehicle damage, injuries, or both. Owners report the systems showed no warning signs prior to failure—no airbag warning lights or diagnostic alerts in most cases. Ford service personnel declined to inspect at least one vehicle and advised others to wait for recall parts without explaining the defect.
When: During collision events; failure mileage reported between 40,000–76,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags remain undeployed during front-end, rear-end, and broadside collisions; Airbag warning light illuminated in one vehicle prior to collision; No warning lights or diagnostic codes in most complaints before failure; Seat belt failure to retract noted in at least one collision
Codes mentioned: B141B, BNR B141C
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealership indicated recall parts unavailable; vehicles were towed but not repaired in most cases due to total loss or owner inability to proceed. No repair costs cited by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership mentioned upcoming recall (June 2014) but refused to disclose details or recall number. One complaint notes Ford refused to send a representative for inspection. Manufacturer was notified in at least two complaints; no action described.
Airbags deploy without warning during normal driving
In one documented incident at 25 mph on an ordinary road, front airbags deployed spontaneously with no collision or trigger event. The sudden deployment caused loss of consciousness and a crash into a structure. Vehicle was destroyed; driver sustained facial and nasal injuries requiring medical attention.
When: At 42,000 miles during routine driving at 25 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Spontaneous airbag deployment without collision; Loss of consciousness following deployment; Crash into stationary structure (front porch)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed; no repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not made aware of the failure per the complaint.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 40,000 and 76,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 76,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.