Over the past couple of months, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has closed a pair of Blue Oval-involved investigations into various matters. This includes select 2017-2020 Ford Super Duty models that had an issue where the tailgate could open unintentionally, as well as select 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E crossovers that were recalled over a problem related to high voltage battery main contactors. Now, the NHTSA has also closed its investigation into select 2020-2021 Ford Escape crossovers that were experiencing issues with door latches, too.
The NHTSA just opened this investigation last July in an attempt to secure information on a door check arm attachment point failure that could affect an estimated 346,071 2020-2021 Ford Escape crossovers. According to the organization, spot welds in the check arm attachment points within the front door assembly may fail, which can result in the door not opening or closing properly. It could also reportedly cause the door to remain open at least slightly when the vehicle is in motion.
The NHTSA decided to open an investigation into this matter after receiving a total of 118 complaints via its Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) – 25 of whom reportedly suffered minor injuries as a result of the issue, while one case involved property damage as well. Many of these owners reportedly heard a popping noise when opening the door, which is apparently an indication that the door check bracket has begun to separate itself from the door.
Ultimately, the NHTSA chose to close its investigation into the Ford Escape after inspecting five different models equipped with this faulty component after it was unable to replicate the problem. Additionally, it notes that Ford will launch a customer satisfaction program in March that provides affected owners with a free inspection at their preferred dealer, as well as a repair, if necessary.
We’ll have more on all Ford-involved investigations soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Escape news and 24/7 Ford news coverage.
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Our 2020 Escape suffered the door check arm problem and the repair was absolutely mind blowing. Instead of just putting pop rivets in to repair the failed welds (they would never be seen) they put on a whole new door!! And the paint is close but not exact. Thankfully it happened at home so I had access to all my tools to effect a temporary fix.