NHTSA is taking the unusual step off issuing a public warning about sudden door openings after Ford Motor recall of almost 400,00 cars where the doors can suddenly unlatch during driving. “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,” it said.
The recall for sudden door openings affects some model year 2012-2014 Ford Fiestas, all model year 2013 Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs, and some model year 2014 Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs.
Two of the NHTSA warnings are:
1. 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.
2. 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 re-close the door or to drive the vehicle.
