Dearborn, MI – August 6, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 112,225 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vans because their doors may open while driving, upping the risk of an injury.
This is at least the fifth Ford recall due to this issue. Vehicles that were previously repaired might need a new remedy.
Recall summary
Due to a supplier error, a spring inside the vans’ locking mechanism may be “susceptible to cracking and failure over time.” As a result, the doors may not close securely and could open while the vehicle is in motion.
The component causing this recall is the core driver latch, with part numbers DT1A-V21813-B for the driver’s side and DT1A-V21812-A or DT1A-V21812-B for the passenger door.
Recall risks
You can find out all about the associated risks in this article about a similar Volkswagen recall.
Background of the recall
The part behind the recall has been implicated in at least five other Ford recalls and several U.S. government investigations, according to the information provided by the manufacturer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is the government body in charge of regulating traffic safety. The most recent one occurred in June 2020 and replaced three of the previous recalls conducted for the same issue because of an inadequate remedy.
It is not clear if any of the previously repaired vans are once again included in the current recall, which comes on the back of multiple warranty claims.
Warning signs
The door with a broken latch mechanism will be difficult to close and will likely rebound when the driver slams it shut. Incorrectly latched doors could also generate excessive “wind noise,” trigger a ”Door Ajar” warning or turn on the interior dome light.
Other Ford recalls
Ford is currently subject to a separate government investigation involving faulty doors on its Ford Escape SUVs. The investigation could result in a recall of 350,000 of these vehicles, as reported.
Over 14,000 Ford Fusion hybrids were recalled in July 2023 because they could stall or catch fire.
The repair
Dealers will replace the door latches on the affected vehicles with upgraded ones free of charge.
Owners should be notified between August 28, 2023 and September 1, 2023.
Is your vehicle a part of this recall?
This Ford door latch recall affects more than 100,000 vans. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
