Ford is recalling 358,857 Focus cars because their rear passenger doors may not latch properly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Ford spokeswoman told the Associated Press (AP).
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The recall affects four- and five-door Focus cars from the 2000-2002 model years – all of the vehicles were sold or are registered in 20 eastern and mid-western states and the District of Columbia, NHTSA reportedly said.
One person reported a minor wrist injury because of the defect, Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley told AP, which noted there are 33 complaints about the defect listed on NHTSA’s web site.
The defect reportedly is caused by corrosion of the latch – the door may be difficult to open and close, and eventually may not close at all.
Kinley told the Associated Press Ford will begin notifying customers about the recall on March 1 – its dealers will replace corroded latches for free or will clean and lubricate unaffected latches to prevent corrosion.
The NHTSA also reportedly said that DaimlerChrysler AG is recalling 26,000 Dodge Durango sport utility vehicles from the 2005 model year because the fuel tank filler valve may not fully close after refuelling, and fuel could leak from the vehicle if the valve isn’t closed.
DaimlerChrysler hasn’t yet determined when the recall will begin, NHTSA told the Associated Press.
