Over 100,000 Ford Transit Connect Vehicles Recalled Over Door Latch Failures

Ford is recalling more than 100,000 Transit Connect vehicles, due to defective door latches that could open unexpectedly, putting vehicle occupants at risk.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Ford Transit Connect recall on July 25, indicating the door latches may be prone to cracking and failing. Officials warn that if a door unexpectedly opens while in motion it can increase the risk of an automobile accident, injury and ejection from the vehicle.

Ford initiated an investigation of certain Transit Connect vehicles following a consumer complaint to the NHTSA, which indicated the driver’s door of their compact van had failed to latch and opened unexpectedly. After a review of the vehicle parts, investigators found a design defect in both the “C1A” door latches and sliding door latches used in production of the vehicles.

The automaker concluded the C1A door latch, as well as the sliding door latches, contained a defective spring that left them susceptible to deterioration and cracking with repeated exposure to high temperatures. This can prevent the doors from properly closing and allow them to open unexpectedly.

According to the recall announcement, consumers may notice warning signs indicating that their vehicle needs service. Those signs can include difficulty closing their door, experiencing rebounds of the door, or requiring repeated attempts to shut it. In addition, consumers may also observe a “door ajar” warning light and chime, illumination of the dome light, or an increased sound of air and wind within the vehicle while driving.

While no accidents or injuries have been reported in relation to the recall, Ford has received at least 21 warranty claims and are aware of at least four complaints involving the doors failing to latch or unintentionally opening.

The recall impacts approximately 112,225 model year 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured with defective door latches from August 9, 2013 until February 1, 2016.

Ford expects to begin notifying owners of the recall by mail on August 28, with instructions on how to schedule an appointment with a licensed dealer to receive free repair of their vehicle and a modified spring pawl tab to increase the tab’s strength when exposed to intense heat.

For more information on the recall, consumers may contact Ford customer service by phone at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall number 23S36. They may also contact the NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline by phone at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or by visiting their website at www.nhtsa.gov.