Ford and Mazda Recall Millions of Vehicles for Defective Doors and Hatches
Ford and Mazda Recall Millions of Vehicles for Defective Doors and Hatches
Ford and Mazda are recalling nearly four million vehicles because of defective doors and rear hatches that could pop open when the vehicle is in motion. According to an Associated Press news report, Ford is adding about 1.5 million cars, SUVs and vans to a recall for doors that can pop open when the vehicle is moving. Mazda is recalling vehicles for faulty rear hatches that could corrode, break and fall on people, injuring them.
What the Recalls Involve
The recall expansion includes the 2012 through 2015 Ford Focus, the 2013 to 2015 Ford Escape and C-Max, the 2015 Ford Mustang and Lincoln MKC and the 2014 through 2016 Ford Transit Connect small van. Ford says a spring tab in the door latches can break causing the doors to not close properly or pop open. When the recall begins, dealers will replace the faulty latches at no cost to consumers. This brings the total number of vehicles recalled for this problem to nearly 2.4 million.
Mazda is recalling 2.2 million cars and SUVs globally because the rear hatches can fall on people and injure them. The recall covers certain 2010 through 2013 Mazda 3 compact cars, as well as 2012 through 2015 Mazda 5 vans. Also included are certain 2013 to 2016 CX-5 and 2016 CX-3 SUVs.
According to Mazda, this problem has occurred because the corrosion protection coating applied to the hatch lift supports at the factory was not enough. Over time, water containing road salt could get into supports and cause corrosion or breakage. When the recall begins this month or early October, dealers will replace both lift supports at no charge.
Actions to Take in a Recall
To check if your vehicle is part of a safety recall, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website at safercar.gov and enter the vehicle identification number. You will also receive a recall notice in snail mail from the manufacturer. Even if you don’t get this notice, if your vehicle is recalled, take it to a dealer to make the necessary repairs right away.
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a defective vehicle or vehicle part, you may be entitled to receive compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, cost of treatment, rehabilitation and pain and suffering. Contact an auto defect law firm that has the knowledge, experience, resources and track record to help you have a successful outcome in your case.
