Ford's Door Latch Headache Continues as NHTSA Probes Edge Models
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into 380,000 Ford Edge SUVs after receiving a slew of complaints about doors that won’t latch.
The regulator’s probe increases the chances that Ford will add another crop of vehicles to its 2.4 million-strong door latch recall. Meanwhile, another NHTSA investigation targets reports of power steering failure in certain Fusion models.
First reported by Automotive News, the investigation covers 2011 to 2013 Edge models. The regulator has received 1,560 reports of “door ajar” lights appearing while the vehicle’s doors are closed. One injury related to the issue has been reported.
Like previous recalled models, the issue could lead to doors opening while the vehicle is in motion, or doors that won’t lock while the vehicle is underway. As well, the interior dome light could stay illuminated for the duration of a drive. Some owners report being bothered by alarm system noises while driving, while others claim they’ve jury-rigged door restraints out of rope and tape.
Ford massively expanded its recall of certain Ford Mustang, Focus, Escape, Transit Connect, C-Max and Lincoln MKS models in early September. The door issue cropped up earlier this year, with Ford recalling certain Ford Fusion, Fiesta and Lincoln MKZ models before expanding the recall’s scope in August.
Meanwhile, some 262,000 2010 Ford Fusions are the focus of another NHTSA probe. The regulator reports 547 complaints of sudden power steering failure, leading to 12 crashes and four injuries. The automaker recalled 2011 and 2012 Fusions for the same problem in 2014.
More by Steph Willems
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Big Al's "profits now, recalls later" business model strikes again!
"When one door closes another one opens" must be the motivational slogan at Ford.
Here's a question, I don't know the answer. I assume these doors and power windows are on CAN bus. What happens if you run off the road into a creek?
I've got a recall notice for the reprogramming of the power steering module of my MkZephyr Hybrid in the mail yesterday. I've gotta say that I've noticed a few times when braking that steering effort increases, but not a point that I can't control my car.