All Ford vehicles should be considered "Beta" tests

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

DETROIT (Reuters) -- Ford Motor Co. is recalling over 145,000 vehicles in the United States for a range of problems from defective latches to faulty drivetrains, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall involves 139,537 2005 model-year Five Hundred and Mercury Montego sedans and 2005-2006 model-year Freestar minivans because the side door latches may let in water, NHTSA said on its Web site on Tuesday.

This may cause the latch mechanism to freeze in cold weather and the door could open while the vehicle is moving, the agency said.

Separately, Ford is also recalling 6,164 Escape hybrid SUVs from 2006 model year because a drivetrain shaft may fracture.

If a fracture occurred, it could cause the vehicle to move, even in the park position, NHTSA said.
Comment:

Don't confuse this with the last two or three recalls - this is a new one. And we're not talking about some minor issues like leaky windshields or bad parking break lines - we're talking about DOOR LATCHES and DRIVETRAINS. Hello! If you are going to release cars in beta version, you should warn people.