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Recall Wire: Ford Offers Repairs on 145,000 Vehicles in U.S.

DEARBORN, Mich. — The Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 145,000 vehicles in the U.S. for a variety of problems, from defective latches to faulty drivetrains, according to the federal government.

The recall covers 139,537 2005 Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego sedans and 2005-'06 Ford Freestar minivans, as well as 6,000 2006 Ford Escape Hybrids.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site that the Ford sedans and minivans have side door latches that may let in water. This can cause the latch mechanism to freeze in cold weather and the door could open while the vehicle is moving.

The automaker is also recalling 6,000 of its 2006 Escape Hybrid SUVs to replace intermediate driveshafts that could break and cut power to the wheels. If a break occurs, it could cause the vehicle to move, even in the "Park" position of the automatic transmission.

The recall campaign to owners begins later this month. Ford dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace parts, if necessary.

This is odd, it seems that Ford has a serious design issue somewhere because this isn't the first time they've had to recall cars for door latch issues recently (Ford Focus anyone?)

What I don't understand is that they've discovered that the problem exists with some of their other vehicles, so how in the world is it still happening on newer vehicles? :blink:

NefCanuck

NefCanuck,Oct 12 2006, 11:11 AM Wrote:What I don't understand is that they've discovered that the problem exists with some of their other vehicles, so how in the world is it still happening on newer vehicles? :blink: [right][snapback]211326[/snapback][/right]

Not the same issue. Not the same latch. Not the same car.

All cars have doors. Therefore, all doors have latches. Just because the word "latch" is used don't assume that the problem is the same.

Quote:'00-'02 Ford Focus

The hazard:
Corrosion could build up on the rear door latches, preventing doors from latching properly. If that occurs, a door could open unexpectedly while the car is moving, possibly allowing an occupant to fall out.

Quote:Make / Models :          Model/Build Years:     
    FORD / FIVE HUNDRED      2005

    FORD / FREESTYLE      2005-2006

    MERCURY / MONTEGO      2005

Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY 

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 06V383000  Mfg's Report Date : SEP 28, 2006
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 139537
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THE SIDE DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS MAY EXPERIENCE WATER INTRUSION ALLOWING THE LATCH MECHANISM TO FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER. 
Consequence:
AS A RESULT, THE DOOR LATCH PAWL MAY NOT RETURN TO THE LATCH POSITION WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, AND THE DOOR COULD OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. 
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIELD OVER THE FRONT LATCHES; SEAL A DRAIN HOLE IN THE REAR WINDOW TRIM MOLDING ON THE FREESTYLE REAR SIDE DOORS; AND APPLY GREASE TO ALL FRONT AND REAR SIDE-DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.