Ford Explorer Quiz
Supplemental Restraint System

Side Airbags

In this manual: Supplemental Restraint System
Introduction — 10At a Glance — 3Child Safety — 11Seat Belts — 10Personal Safety System™ — 1Supplemental Restraint System — 10Pedestrian Protection — 1911 Assist — 3Keys and Remote Controls — 10MyKey™ — 8Doors & Locks — 9Liftgate — 7Safety — 3Steering Wheel — 11Wipers and Washers — 5Lighting — 13Automatic High Beam Control — 3Windows and Mirrors — 6Instrument Cluster — 4Information Displays — 4Climate Control — 6Cabin Air Quality — 2Seats — 9Garage Door Opener — 2Auxiliary Power Points — 3Storage Compartments — 2Starting and Stopping the Engine — 5Unique Driving Characteristics — 4Fuel and Refueling — 8Engine Emission Control — 3High-Voltage Battery — 1Infection Transmission — 8All-Wheel Drive Vehicle — 1Brakes — 5Reverse Brake Assist — 4Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 3Hill Descent Control — 3Park Aid — 8Cruise Control — 4Adaptive Cruise Control — 19Driver Assistance — 12Drive Mode Control — 4Loading — 6Tow/Haul — 6Driving Tips — 5Roadside Emergencies — 8Customer Assistance — 9Fuses — 3Maintenance — 21Vehicle Care — 12Wheels and Tires — 8Capacities and Specifications — 16Connectivity — 3Wi-Fi Hotspot — 3Audio System — 6SYNC™ 3 — 14Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 1Scheduled Maintenance — 5Appendices — 4
~2min read

The side airbags are located on the outboard side of the front seatbacks. In certain side collisions, the side airbags deploy. The side airbag is designed to inflate between the door panel and the occupant to further enhance occupant protection in a side collision.

The system consists of the following:

  • A label or embossed sidewall indicates that side airbags are installed on your vehicle.
  • Side airbags are located in the seatbacks of the driver and front passenger seats.
  • Front passenger detection system.
  • Impact sensors and airbag readiness monitoring system with indicator. Refer to Impact Sensors and Airbag Indicator.

The design and development of the side airbag system included recommended testing procedures developed by a group of automotive safety experts known as the Side Airbag Technical Working Group. These recommended test procedures help reduce the risk of injury associated with side airbag deployment.

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A quick Ford Explorer quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.