Ford is recalling certain 2021 Explorer vehicles due to a risk of improper side air bag deployment during crashes, which could cause injury. Owners should contact Ford for free replacement of the air bag assembly.
Improper deployment of a side air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Ford is recalling certain 2021 Explorer vehicles because side air bags might deploy improperly in a crash, increasing injury risk. This fix is free and will be done by dealers. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/80375-ford-2021-explorer-air-bag-recall-risk-of-improper-deployment.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/80375-ford-2021-explorer-air-bag-recall-risk-of-improper-deployment · Updated October 4, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #21V652000
“Ford 2021 Explorer Air Bag Recall: Risk of Improper Deployment.” GovInfoNow, updated October 4, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/80375-ford-2021-explorer-air-bag-recall-risk-of-improper-deployment. Based on NHTSA recall 21V652000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V652000).
The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during deployment, causing the air bag to not function properly in a crash. This failure violates federal safety standards for side impact protection.
Owners of 2021 Ford Explorer vehicles are affected. Drivers and passengers in these vehicles are at risk during crashes.
Check if your 2021 Ford Explorer was mailed a notification letter from Ford. The recall covers specific 2021 Explorer models.
Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 to schedule a replacement of the side air bag assembly.
Dealers will replace the side air bag assembly at no cost once you contact Ford.
Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C19.
The side air bag attachment weld studs could detach during deployment, causing improper air bag function and violating federal safety standards.
Check if your 2021 Ford Explorer received a notification letter from Ford. The recall covers specific 2021 Explorer models.
The recall has no specific deadline for action, but owners should contact Ford to schedule the replacement.
We’ve drafted a message you can send Ford to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 21V652000 — Ford Ford Hello, I own a Ford that is covered by recall 21V652000 from Ford. The official recall notice states: Dealers will replace the side air bag assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C19. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
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The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
