No Recall Issued, Low Potential Hazard to Drivers

  • U.S. regulators close investigation into Ford Escape door latches
  • No recall will be issued
  • Low potential hazard to drivers
  • Ford implementing customer-satisfaction program to fix the problem
  • 2020 and 2021 model years affected
  • Audible and visual warning if doors don’t latch properly
  • Owners can have vehicles checked and repaired at dealers

U.S. auto-safety regulators have closed their investigation into complaints about Ford Escape door latches. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found a low potential hazard to drivers and determined that a recall is not necessary. Instead, Ford will be implementing a customer-satisfaction program to address the issue. The investigation covered approximately half a million Escape SUVs from the 2020 and 2021 model years. These SUVs are equipped with an audible and visual warning system to alert drivers if the doors are not properly latched. Ford will be sending letters to owners in March to inform them of the satisfaction campaign. Owners can take their vehicles to a dealer to have them checked and repaired. Depending on the level of damage, dealers will either install a rivet plate to reinforce the door latch arms or provide a replacement door. The investigation received 593 complaints, with three reports of injuries, one of which required medical attention.

Public Companies: Ford (F)
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Factuality Level: 8
Justification: The article provides information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stating that they have closed the investigation into the Ford Escape door issue without seeking a recall. It also mentions that Ford is implementing a customer-satisfaction program to fix the problem. The article includes details about the number of vehicles affected, the warning system in place, and the steps Ford is taking to address the issue. However, it does not provide any opposing viewpoints or alternative perspectives, which could have added more context to the situation.

Noise Level: 3
Justification: The article provides relevant information about the closure of an investigation into Ford Escapes’ door issue. It mentions the findings of the investigation, the actions taken by Ford, and the number of complaints and injuries reported. However, it lacks in-depth analysis, scientific rigor, and does not explore the consequences of the decision on those who bear the risks. It also does not provide actionable insights or solutions.

Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: This article does not pertain to financial topics and does not describe an extreme event. It is a report on the closure of an investigation into a safety issue with Ford Escapes, where the doors can open while the SUVs are being driven. The investigation found a low potential hazard to drivers, and Ford is conducting a customer-satisfaction program to fix the problem.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com