2023 Ford Expedition Owner’s Manual — How Do the Side Airbags Work

WARNING:  Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the airbag cover, on the side of the front or rear seatbacks, or in areas that may come into contact with a deploying airbag. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash.    WARNING:  Accessory seat covers not released by Ford Motor Company could prevent the deployment of the airbags and increase the risk of injuries in a crash.    WARNING:  Do not lean your head on the door. The side airbag could injure you as it deploys from the side of the seatback.

The side airbags are on the outermost side of the seat backrests of the front seats. In certain sideways crashes or rollovers, the airbags will be inflated. The airbag was designed to inflate between the door panel and occupant to further enhance the protection provided to occupants in side impact crashes.

The system consists of the following:

• A label or embossed side panel indicating that side airbags are fitted to your vehicle.
• Side airbags inside the driver and front passenger seat backrests.
• Crash sensors and monitoring system with readiness indicator.   See   Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator. 

How Do the Knee Airbags Work

WARNING:  Close the glove box door when your vehicle is moving. Failure to follow this instruction could reduce the effectiveness of the passenger knee airbag and increase the risk of injury in a crash.

A driver knee airbag is under or within the instrument panel. A passenger knee airbag is within or under the glove compartment.

During a crash, the restraints control module may activate the driver and passenger knee airbags based on crash severity and occupant conditions.

Under certain crash and occupant conditions, the front airbags and the knee airbags may not activate together. As with front and side airbags, it is important to be properly seated and restrained to reduce the risk of death or serious injury.

Make sure the knee airbags are operating properly.   See   Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator.