NHTSA Starts Investigation on Faulty Ford F-150 Airbag

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the Ford F-150 after several complaints reported that the side driver airbag is deployed for no reason. According to preliminary information, the glitch could affect around 530,000 pickups. Some complaints are event reporting minor injuries such as burns or bruises, as the airbag is opened seconds after the engine is started.

Ford F-150 is often referred to as the best selling model in the United States and Ford promotes the pickup as a very safe vehicle, especially after the crash test results provided by the IIHS.

"The new F-150’s leading 5-star crash ratings and ‘Top Safety Pick’ award further demonstrate Ford’s commitment to safety as we have more top government ratings than any other brand," said Susan Cischke, Ford’s group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. "The new 2009 F-150 also offers more advanced safety features as standard equipment than any other half-ton truck, part of our aggressive roll-out of safety for millions of customers."

Safety features on the F-150 include Safety Canopy side curtain air bags, AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) and a patented "K-bag" seat-mounted air bag.

"The all-new 2009 Ford F-150’s leading crash-safety ratings add to its capability, fuel economy and technological leadership," said Steve Kozak, Ford’s chief engineer for safety systems. "We achieved top safety ratings and unsurpassed fuel economy at the same time by using high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel in key areas of the new F-150’s structure."