Exploding air bag module

[pwdby460]

I’m went to get into my Expedition the other day, only to find A/C dash parts strewn all over along with an oily substance. Apparently the passenger airbag canister exploded and busted the duct work and blew the register totally out of the dash.

 

[jr1under]

Wow, that's a scary mess! So the airbag didn't deploy but the inflator did?

 

[Hamfisted]

Looks more like your A/C evaporator exploded ....
The airbag module is all metal. It would blow out toward the passenger's face, and that airbag dash cover would be gone.
Who's your A/C man ? Your picture ...2104 looks like the evaporator has left the chat ....







.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I’m went to get into my Expedition the other day, only to find A/C dash parts strewn all over along with an oily substance. Apparently the passenger airbag canister exploded and busted the duct work and blew the register totally out of the dash.

Does your vehicle have any open safety recalls? You can check here: NHTSA.gov

If not, I would file a complaint on line with the NHTSA and keep all components, in case they want to examine the vehicle.

Did you recently recharge the a/c system?

 

[Billme]

Wow

 

[JamaicaJoe]

That is frightening. Please followup with a post mortem. I would agree it looks more like an evap core failure. Has the system been recharged? If someone used R600 (Isobutane) or other flammable or counterfeit refrigerant, a small leak may have resulted in a small explosion in the confined area of the dash where there are plenty of electrical hazards. Otherwise the system may have been overcharged, but I would expect a hose failure before the evap core. On the bright side, you will have a prime opportunity to replace your heater core and evaporator with new and get to explore a junk yard for all the ductwork and trim.

 

[JamaicaJoe]

Does your vehicle have any open safety recalls? You can check here: NHTSA.gov

If not, I would file a complaint on line with the NHTSA and keep all components, in case they want to examine the vehicle.

Did you recently recharge the a/c system?

Most definitely alert the NHTSA. This could have caused an accident or fatality.