Imagine cruising down the road in your 2020-2021 Ford Escape SUV, enjoying the freedom of the open road. But what if that freedom could suddenly be interrupted by a door that pops open unexpectedly? That’s the concern at the center of an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into 345,000 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid SUVs.

The agency has received over 100 complaints about doors that either come open suddenly or fail to stay closed, leading to potential safety hazards. While a decision about a recall has yet to be made, owners can stay informed by checking the NHTSA recalls site for updates. Stay safe and keep those doors securely closed while enjoying your drive.

Investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently conducting an investigation into a door weld problem that could potentially affect over 345,000 2020 and 2021 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid SUVs. This issue involves a faulty spot weld in the check arm attachment points on the doors of these vehicles. The investigation is still ongoing, and the decision regarding a recall has not yet been made.

Complaints Filed with the Safety Agency

Numerous complaints have been filed with the NHTSA regarding the door issue in the Ford Escape SUVs. These complaints describe instances where the doors have opened suddenly while the vehicle is in motion or have not stayed closed properly. The safety agency has received over 100 complaints related to this problem.

Frequency of door opening suddenly or not staying closed

According to these complaints, the doors of the Ford Escape SUVs have been known to open unexpectedly, posing a significant safety risk to the occupants of the vehicle. It is not yet known how frequently this issue occurs, but the number of complaints filed suggests that it is a widespread problem that requires attention.

Reports of injuries and property damage

Among the complaints filed with the NHTSA, there have been reports of injuries and property damage caused by the door issue in the Ford Escape SUVs. Twenty-five “minor injuries” and one report of “minor property damage” have been documented. These incidents highlight the potential danger posed by this problem and the need for a thorough investigation.

Possible Cause of the Problem

The investigation carried out by the NHTSA has indicated that the faulty spot welds in the check arm attachment points on the doors are likely the cause of the problem. These welds are intended to secure the doors and ensure that they remain closed while the vehicle is in motion. However, if these welds are not properly executed, they can lead to the doors opening unexpectedly or not staying closed.

Owner Complaints

The NHTSA investigation document includes an example of an owner complaint that sheds light on the nature of the problem. In this case, the driver-side front door of the Ford Escape made a creaking sound, could not be opened, and the window would not go down. The internal weld to the door had failed, resulting in a malfunctioning door. This complaint exemplifies the potential inconvenience and safety concerns faced by owners of the affected vehicles.

Extent of the problem

The investigation has revealed that a significant number of owners have experienced the door issue in their Ford Escape SUVs. With over 345,000 vehicles potentially affected, it is crucial to address this problem promptly to ensure the safety and satisfaction of Ford Escape owners.

Recall Decision

At present, a decision regarding a recall for the Ford Escape SUVs has not been made. The NHTSA is still in the process of investigating the issue and evaluating the potential risks associated with it. Ford Escape owners are advised to regularly check the NHTSA recalls site for any updates on the status of the recall decision.

Status of recall decision

As of now, the recall decision for the affected Ford Escape SUVs is pending. The NHTSA’s investigation is ongoing, and the agency is diligently working to gather all the necessary information to make an informed decision. Once a recall decision is made, it will be vital for owners to take prompt action to address the door issue in their vehicles.

Updates for Ford Escape owners

Ford Escape owners are encouraged to stay informed about the progress of the investigation and any updates regarding a potential recall. Regularly checking the NHTSA recalls site and staying in touch with authorized Ford dealerships are the best ways to ensure that owners receive the necessary information and assistance.

Other Recent Recalls

In addition to the investigation into the Ford Escape SUVs, there have been several other recent recalls in the automotive industry. These recalls highlight the importance of addressing potential safety issues promptly and effectively.

Honda and Acura vehicles recalled for brake problem

Honda and Acura recently issued a recall for approximately 125,000 vehicles due to a brake problem. This recall underlines the manufacturer’s commitment to addressing any potential safety concerns and ensuring the well-being of its customers.

Jeep Grand Cherokee recalled for suspension defect

Jeep Grand Cherokee was also subject to a recent recall due to a suspension defect. This recall serves as a reminder that even well-established and reputable automakers can encounter safety issues that require immediate attention.

About the Author

Alessandra Kaestner, the author of this article, has a diverse background that encompasses both law and journalism. With a passion for storytelling and a keen interest in the automotive industry, Alessandra brings a unique perspective to her writing. As a summer editorial intern, she is excited to work alongside talented individuals at Car and Driver to provide insightful and informative content to readers.

Background of Alessandra Kaestner

Alessandra Kaestner hails from Chicago and has always had a fascination with journalism. Fueling her love for storytelling, Alessandra grew up listening to NPR with her parents and eagerly grabbing the New York Times off the front porch. Pursuing her passion, she worked for her university’s newspaper, the Cornell Daily Sun, during her freshman and sophomore years. Currently majoring in psychology and philosophy, Alessandra aspires to explore the realms of law and journalism in her future endeavors.

Interest in law and journalism

Driven by her interest in law and journalism, Alessandra is eager to expand her knowledge and gain experience in various fields. Although she may not have an extensive background in the world of cars, her enthusiasm and commitment to excellence make her a valuable addition to the Car and Driver team.

Ford F-150 Recall

In addition to the investigation into the Ford Escape SUVs, there has been a recent recall for the Ford F-150 due to a parking brake malfunction. This recall emphasizes the need for manufacturers to proactively address any potential issues and prioritize the safety of their customers.

Nissan Leaf Recall

Another recall within the automotive industry involves the Nissan Leaf. This recall is centered around faulty control software, underscoring the importance of rigorous testing and quality assurance processes to ensure the reliability and safety of vehicles.

Investigation of Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6

The NHTSA is currently conducting an investigation into the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, two popular electric vehicles. This investigation aims to identify and address any potential safety concerns associated with these vehicles, highlighting the importance of continuously monitoring and improving the safety standards within the automotive industry.

In conclusion, the ongoing investigation by the NHTSA into the door weld problem in the Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid SUVs underscores the significance of addressing potential safety issues swiftly and effectively. Owners are encouraged to stay informed about the progress of the investigation and any updates regarding a potential recall. With the commitment of both the regulatory agencies and the automotive manufacturers, the industry strives to ensure the safety and satisfaction of its customers.