The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says a door weld problem could affect about 345,000 2020 and 2021 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid SUVs. Over 100 people told the safety office that doors opened suddenly or didn’t stay shut. The choice about whether or not to call back the cars has yet to be made. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into the Ford Escape because of a problem with a front door weld that could cause the door to open quickly while the car moves. The trouble is with the Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid SUVs, and 346,071 vehicles could be affected by a possible recall. The failing spot welds in the door’s arm have been the subject of 118 reports to the agency’s Office of Defects Investigation. The NHTSA found about 25 “minor injuries” and 1 “minor property damage” by talking to the owners. Some people say that when the door opens, it makes a popping sound and that sometimes, when it’s closed, it doesn’t lock or spread quickly. The safety agency’s probe report says that lousy spot welds likely cause the problem in the places where the check arm attaches to the doors. One driver told the NHTSA that the front door on the driver’s side made a popping sound, couldn’t be opened, and the window wouldn’t go down. The seam inside the door had broken. Even if a choice has yet to be made about a recall, Ford Escape owners can check the NHTSA’s website for recalls for updates.
