Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is set to recall 390,000 of its Fiesta, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models in North America. The reason for the recall is a potential door latch malfunction. The malfunction is reportedly the possibility of driver’s door bring unlatched while the vehicle is in motion.
The company has reported two incidents in which the door latch malfunctioned. In one of them the unlatched door bounced back and struck the driver and in another incident the door swung open hitting another vehicle.
The cars affected with door malfunction were manufactured at Ford plants in Mexico. The cars under recall include the 2012 to 2014 Fiesta models built at Cuautitlán Assembly Plant in Mexico from February 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013. Other cars include 2013 to 2014 Fusion built from July 1, 2012 to May 31.2013. 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built from July 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013 are also being recalled.
The cars with faulty latches were built at plants in Mexico. It further added that a part called pawl spring tab can break due to which doors may not latch.
There have been over 200 complaints about faulty latches on Ford Fiesta alone to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These include 65 cases in which the doors flew open while the car was in motion.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has acknowledged over 450 reports on its own and 1,079 warranty claims related to the issue. Ford had also acknowledged two injuries that occurred when vehicle drivers tried to shut the doors. In another case, the door of the car flew open as the car was being parked, striking another vehicle.
86% of the recalled cars are registered in the United States, and the rest of them are registered in Mexico and Canada. The four latches of the cars will be replaced by the dealers at no cost to the customers.
