Ford is expanding its door latch recall after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found more potential affected models. The recall covers door latches that could pop open at any time, increasing risks of injury to passengers.
The problem lies with a broken pawl spring tab which prevents the door from latching. This means that the door could come ajar (open) while the vehicle is moving. So far, 545,906 Ford vehicles are subject to a previous recall for this issue. An additional 156,000 more will be added at the NHTSA’s behest.
Ford reports two people who claimed soreness after an unlatched door bounced back and impacted them when they attempted to close it. Another case details the latch giving way and the door swinging open in a parking lot to strike another vehicle as the driver parked the car.
Affected vehicles include 2011-2014 Fiesta models built in Cuautitlan from November 3, 2009 to May 31, 2013. Some Fusion vehicles from the 2013-2014 model years built at Hermosillo February 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013 are also affected. Other Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock from April 12, 2013 to April 26, 2013 are also being recalled as are some 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ sedans built at Hermosillo during the same Feb-May time frame.
A total of 456,440 vehicles in the United States, 50,681 in Canada, and 38,785 in Mexico are affected. Ford dealerships are replacing the door latches free of charge.
