Imagine cruising down the road in your 2020-2021 Ford Escape SUV, enjoying the freedom of the open road. But what if that freedom could suddenly be interrupted by a door that pops open unexpectedly? That’s the concern at the center of an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into 345,000 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid SUVs.
The agency has received over 100 complaints about doors that either come open suddenly or fail to stay closed, leading to potential safety hazards. While a decision about a recall has yet to be made, owners can stay informed by checking the NHTSA recalls site for updates. Stay safe and keep those doors securely closed while enjoying your drive.
Investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently conducting an investigation into a door weld problem that could potentially affect over 345,000 2020 and 2021 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid SUVs. This issue involves a faulty spot weld in the check arm attachment points on the doors of these vehicles. The investigation is still ongoing, and the decision regarding a recall has not yet been made.
Complaints Filed with the Safety Agency
Numerous complaints have been filed with the NHTSA regarding the door issue in the Ford Escape SUVs. These complaints describe instances where the doors have opened suddenly while the vehicle is in motion or have not stayed closed properly. The safety agency has received over 100 complaints related to this problem.
Frequency of door opening suddenly or not staying closed
According to these complaints, the doors of the Ford Escape SUVs have been known to open unexpectedly, posing a significant safety risk to the occupants of the vehicle. It is not yet known how frequently this issue occurs, but the number of complaints filed suggests that it is a widespread problem that requires attention.
Reports of injuries and property damage
Among the complaints filed with the NHTSA, there have been reports of injuries and property damage caused by the door issue in the Ford Escape SUVs. Twenty-five “minor injuries” and one report of “minor property damage” have been documented. These incidents highlight the potential danger posed by this problem and the need for a thorough investigation.
Possible Cause of the Problem
The investigation carried out by the NHTSA has indicated that the faulty spot welds in the check arm attachment points on the doors are likely the cause of the problem. These welds are intended to secure the doors and ensure that they remain closed while the vehicle is in motion. However, if these welds are not properly executed, they can lead to the doors opening unexpectedly or not staying closed.
Owner Complaints
The NHTSA investigation document includes an example of an owner complaint that sheds light on the nature of the problem. In this case, the driver-side front door of the Ford Escape made a creaking sound, could not be opened, and the window would not go down. The internal weld to the door had failed, resulting in a malfunctioning door. This complaint exemplifies the potential inconvenience and safety concerns faced by owners of the affected vehicles.
Extent of the problem
The investigation has revealed that a significant number of owners have experienced the door issue in their Ford Escape SUVs. With over 345,000 vehicles potentially affected, it is crucial to address this problem promptly to ensure the safety and satisfaction of Ford Escape owners.
Recall Decision
At present, a decision regarding a recall for the Ford Escape SUVs has not been made. The NHTSA is still in the process of investigating the issue and evaluating the potential risks associated with it. Ford Escape owners are advised to regularly check the NHTSA recalls site for any updates on the status of the recall decision.
Status of recall decision
As of now, the recall decision for the affected Ford Escape SUVs is pending. The NHTSA’s investigation is ongoing, and the agency is diligently working to gather all the necessary information to make an informed decision. Once a recall decision is made, it will be vital for owners to take prompt action to address the door issue in their vehicles.
Updates for Ford Escape owners
Ford Escape owners are encouraged to stay informed about the progress of the investigation and any updates regarding a potential recall. Regularly checking the NHTSA recalls site and staying in touch with authorized Ford dealerships are the best ways to ensure that owners receive the necessary information and assistance.
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