NHTSA advises owners of certain Ford Fiesta, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles to take safety precautions

Topics:  Ford Fiesta, Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
April 30, 2015

NHTSA 16-15
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Contact: Kathryn Henry, 202-366-9550, Public.Affairs@dot.gov

Defective latches could allow doors to open unexpectedly

WASHINGTON – In response to Ford Motor Company’s recall of approximately 390,000 Ford Fiesta, Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises owners of affected vehicles to watch for notification from Ford and get their vehicle fixed as soon as possible.

The defective door latches on these vehicles can prevent the door from properly closing. This can result in the door opening while the vehicle is moving.

The recall affects certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Fiestas, all model year 2013 Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs, and certain model year 2014 Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs.

CONSUMER ACTIONS:

1. Check your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) online at www.safercar.gov/vin to see if it is included in the recall.
2. Keep an eye on the mail for a notice from your vehicle’s manufacturer to bring your car in to be fixed.
3. Always wear your seat belt and make sure everyone riding in your car is buckled up.
4. If you experience difficulty getting the door to latch while attempting to close it, do not drive the vehicle, even if it appears the door has latched. Do not attempt to temporarily secure the door in a closed position (e.g., with a rope or by using the seat belt), and do not have an occupant attempt to hold the door closed while the vehicle is being driven. Be safe and have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership instead.
5. If the door opens while the vehicle is in motion, pull over immediately and have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership. Do not attempt to reclose the door or to drive the vehicle.

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