More Ford and Lincoln Cars Recalled Because Doors Could Open While Driving
Ford is recalling over 45,000 2015 Fiesta sedans and hatchbacks, 2016 Fusion sedans, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ sedans because their doors may not latch properly and could open while driving.
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Vehicles Recalled• Ford Fiesta sedans and hatchbacks manufactured between Dec. 5, 2014, and Jan. 30, 2015.• Ford Fusion sedans manufactured between Dec. 13, 2014, and July 31, 2015. • Lincoln MKZ sedans manufactured between Dec. 13, 2014, and July 31, 2015.
The problem: A part within the door known as the latch pawl spring tab may break if exposed to high ambient temperatures. If this part breaks, the door will not close properly.
The fix: Ford dealerships will replace faulty door latches on all four vehicle doors, free of charge. The automaker may also be able to reimburse owners who paid for this repair out of pocket before the recall was issued.
How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may call Ford at 866-436-7332.
NHTSA campaign number: 23V775. Ford’s own number for this recall is 20S15. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V177.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have one. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
Because the problem is due to high ambient temperatures, only vehicles sold or ever registered in areas with warm climates are involved in the recall. They are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Ford issued two other recalls for similar hot-weather door problems in 2020 and expanded an existing recall after warranty claims and customer complaints.
Before the door latch fails, drivers may notice that doors become difficult to close or increased wind noise and/or “door ajar” warnings appearing on the dashboard. According to documents provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford says it’s not aware of any crashes or injuries related to this defect.