U.S. investigates 346,000 Ford Escape SUVs over door issues

Reuters

Published Jul 11, 2023 07:54AM ET

Updated Jul 11, 2023 04:43PM ET

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. auto safety investigators on Tuesday said they are opening an investigation into 346,000 Ford Escape sport utility vehicles because a weld in the door assembly may fail, potentially resulting in a door inadvertently opening while driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 118 questionnaires alleging a failure of the spot welds in the check arm bracket for the front doors in 2020-21 model year Ford Escape vehicles.

NHTSA said it has 25 reports of minor injuries and one report of minor property damage tied to the issue that prevents a vehicle door from operating properly.

Some owners said door windows had stopped working. Many consumers report hearing a popping noise when opening the door as the door check bracket begins to separate from the door.

Ford said it is "working with NHTSA to support their investigation."