[OAC_Sparky]

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.