Ford has issued a recall for 6,500 vehicles due to potentially faulty child safety locks. This recall, although minor in scale, addresses a critical safety concern that could affect the well-being of young passengers.
Ford has initiated a recall for 6,500 vehicles due to potentially defective child safety locks that may not function as intended. The recall affects specific models built over a short period last year. Owners are urged to visit their nearest dealership for a free inspection and repair. This recall underscores the importance of child safety features in vehicles and Ford's commitment to addressing potential safety issues promptly.
The recall targets the 2013 Ford Focus sedan, C-Max hybrid, and Escape SUV. These vehicles were manufactured at Ford's Wayne, Michigan Assembly Plant between November 16 and November 21, 2012. Out of the total 6,500 vehicles, 5,675 were sold in the United States, and 859 were distributed in Canada.
The issue lies with the child safety lock on the left rear door, which may not have been installed correctly. According to Ford's filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the child lock may not engage properly when the operator uses normal turning force. This could lead to a false sense of security, as the operator might believe the lock is engaged when it is not.
Ford discovered the defect on November 20, 2012, during a routine inspection at their shipment plant. The automaker temporarily halted the shipment of vehicles to investigate the problem. It was found that the parts supplier had sent a mixed batch of components, leading to confusion and improper installation. Ford quickly rectified the issue by ensuring the correct parts were installed properly.
Ford will begin sending recall notices to the owners of the affected vehicles by the end of the month. Owners are encouraged to take their vehicles to the nearest dealership for an inspection of the left rear door locks. If a defect is found, the rear door latch will be replaced at no cost.
Although no accidents or injuries have been reported due to this defect, it is crucial for owners to take advantage of the free fix. Child safety locks are designed to prevent young children from accidentally opening a door, which could lead to serious accidents. Ensuring these locks function correctly is vital for the safety of young passengers.
This recall comes shortly after the federal government concluded a nearly four-year investigation into rollaway risks in over 1.5 million Ford SUVs. Despite receiving more than 180 complaints, including 14 crashes and six injuries, the NHTSA determined that the failure rate of the brake shift interlock mechanism was less than 4 vehicles per 100,000 sold.
Ford has also recently recalled nearly a quarter of a million minivans due to rusting issues that could prevent third-row seating from latching properly. These recalls highlight Ford's ongoing efforts to address safety concerns and improve the quality and reliability of their vehicles.
Ford's recall of 6,500 vehicles over potentially defective child safety locks underscores the importance of vehicle safety features. Owners of the affected models should promptly respond to recall notices and have their vehicles inspected and repaired. This proactive approach helps ensure the safety of young passengers and maintains trust in Ford's commitment to quality and reliability.
By addressing these issues promptly, Ford aims to enhance vehicle safety and maintain customer trust.
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