Safety Agency Launches Second Explorer Probe

Ford Motor Co.’s Explorer sport-utility vehicle, already involved in a tire-safety inquiry, is being probed to see whether a third rear-seat safety belt is needed following reports of 10 deaths, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday.

NHTSA is investigating a “compliance issue” on the two-door Explorer Sport and Mercury Mountaineer sport-utilities, agency spokesman Rae Tyson said. Sometimes a third person will sit in the rear seat, which Ford says has two belts because it’s designed for only two people.

The agency has reports of 11 crashes involving the 10 deaths and 20 injuries, he said.

The second-largest auto maker tells customers that the two-door model is intended to seat a total of four people, Ford spokeswoman Sara Tatchio said. “There’s a seat belt for every seating position,” she said, adding that Ford provided information sought by NHTSA in mid-July.

The safety agency is looking at 1991 through 2001 models as well as the redesigned 2002 Explorer, Tyson said. Automotive Web site TheCarConnection.com reported the investigation Monday.

NHTSA already is investigating 203 highway deaths, mostly on Explorers mounted with Firestone tires. Ford has defended the vehicle as safe and attributed the crashes to tire defects. Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., the U.S. unit of Bridgestone Corp., has said the Explorer’s design contributes to rollover accidents.

Ford shares fell 30 cents to close at $24.65 on the New York Stock Exchange.