Ford Recalling Thousands of Cars for Doors That Could Open While Driving
Ford doesn’t sell the Fiesta, Fusion, or Lincoln MKZ in the United States anymore, but the automaker recently recalled all three for an interesting problem. High temperatures can crack part of the rear door latch, causing the door to open while driving.
A total of 45,173 cars are involved in the recall, including 198 2015 Ford Fiestas, 41,061 2016 Fusions, and 3,914 2016 MKZs. Though the vehicles are different sizes, shapes, and types, they share door latch assemblies as part of the Ford family.
The recall notes that only cars registered in warm states are affected, such as Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas. A spring in the rear door latch can crack in hot weather, leading to a “door ajar” warning or the door fully opening while the car is in motion. Owners may be able to shut the door after a few attempts, but the whole open door while driving thing is still a problem.
Ford said it is not aware of any injuries or crashes related to the problem but noted that dealers have received 14 warranty claims for the issue since late 2015. A previous recall issued in 2020 involved many more cars for a similar issue. That action wrapped up 248,912 cars with similar door spring problems related to living life in hot-weather states.
[Image: Proxima Studio via Shutterstock]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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Alternative headline: "Ford EV sales up 43% in November from prior year."
Sometimes I drive with the windows open. I almost always drive with the doors closed.
(I also drive with the doors locked. In a rollover, the locks can help keep the door closed, which can help maintain some level of structural integrity as the vehicle disintegrates around me -- is what I was told. Is it correct?)
This was a recall on my spouses 2013 fusion, back in 2017-18.
So now they’re recalling it again?
Wasn’t an issue on our fusion however, as it sat at the dealer more often than not for warranty work.
After most of these cars left their duty in rental fleets, they went on to lives with multiple changes of ownership and visits down the auction lane. Can Ford find the current owners and get these things repaired?