Ford Recalls 830,000 Vehicles for Defective Door Latches

Ford has issued a vehicle defect recall for about 830,000 cars, SUVs and vans for faulty door latches that can break and cause the doors to open when the vehicles are moving. According to a news report in The Associated Press, the recall covers certain 2013 to 2015 Ford Escape SUVs and C-Max cars and 2012 to 2015 Focus cars. Also included in this recall are 2014 to 2016 Ford Transit Connect vans and Ford Mustang sports cars and Lincoln SUVs from 2015.

Recall Details

Ford has said in a statement that in these recalled vehicles a faulty spring can break preventing the doors from latching properly. The company says the rate of problems is higher in states with high temperatures and sunlight exposure. Sixteen states are on this list including California. States were included even if only parts met the criteria for high temperatures and sunlight exposure. When the recall begins, dealers will replace all latches in the recall states and Mexico. In other states, they will only replace the latches if they brake. Ford has said it knows of one crash and one injury that could have been caused by this defect.

History of Problems with Door Latches

Ford has had a history of problematic door latches over the last two years. In May 2015, the company had to recall 692,000 small and midsize cars for a similar latch problem. At the time, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warned vehicle owners to get them repaired as soon as they received a recall notice from Ford. As auto defect attorneys, we are often irked by state-specific recalls. In this day and age, when vehicles routinely get sold and bought across state borders, automakers should start issuing nationwide recalls for vehicles with safety issues.

Auto Product Liability Issues

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of these or other auto defects, it is important to understand that you have legal rights. Injured victims can file a product liability lawsuit against the automaker seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, permanent injuries and pain and suffering. Victims in such cases would also be well advised to contact an auto defect law firm that has the knowledge, access to experts and the experience to hold manufacturers of defective automobiles accountable.