NHTSA - Ford Focus and Dodge Durango (Daimler-Chrysler) to be recalled

[Marc]

Ford initiated recall of 358,857 of its four and five door Ford Focus 2000-2002 models.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a bulletin warning users that the door may not close properly because of the corrosion of the rear latch. A faulty door latch may cause the risk for the passenger if the door opens while the vehicle is on motion.

Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley said that one person was slightly injured because of the defect discovered. NHTSA’s Web site listed 33 complaints concerning the latch defect. All of the vehicles to be recalled are sold or registered in U.S. East and Midwest as well as Washington, DC.

NHTSA also said that DaimlerChrysler AG is recalling 26,000 of its Dodge Durango model 2005 vehicles because of the fuel tank filler valve defect discovered. The filler valve may not fully close after refuelling so that fuel could leak from the vehicle causing fire risk.

I just received a recall notice from Dodge for my 2004 Durango a few weeks ago. Apparently there is a battery cable ground problem which could lead to a short and cause an engine fire. Yikes.