Ford Australia’s dealer network will be rectifying a potentially deadly door fault on Ranger and Fiesta models.
Over 128,000 Fords sold from as early as May 27, 2010 to as late as September 1, 2016 will need a fix for doors which could fling open.
According to the recall notice published on the Product Safety website, affected vehicles include nearly 43,000 Fiestas (built 27 May 2010 – 1 September 2016) and nearly 86,000 Rangers (built 23 May 2011 – 20 May 2015).
The vehicles under recall have a “pawl spring tab in a side door latch [which] may break.”
The breakage will “typically prevent the door from latching,” the recall notice explains.
“In certain situations where the door is able to be closed, the door may unlatch while driving, increasing the risk of injury. If the door opens while the vehicle is in use, the occupant may fall out,” the notice warns.
Private buyers and fleet managers known to Ford Australia will be contacted directly to arrange having their vehicles fixed.
Ford Australia communications and public affairs director Martin Gunsberg says fortunately the fault has not presented itself out on the roads.
“There have been no reports of doors unlatching while driving in Australia or New Zealand,” he says.
“Dealers will replace all side door latches on affected vehicles at no cost to the customer – depending on the vehicle, the repair could need up to one hour (Ranger with four doors) or up to two hours if it’s a Fiesta,” Gunsberg adds.
Join the conversation