Investigation PE04033: 2000 Ford Focus

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Apr 8, 2004

Closed

Aug 20, 2004

Model years

2000

Subject

Rear door latch failure

Component: Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch

Summary

This investigation was opened on april 8, 2004, based on 17 reports that one or both rear door latches did not function properly.the complainants alleged that the doors were difficult to closeand that the door latches would not remain latched while the vehicles were being driven, resulting in a door coming open.several of the complainants reported that corrosion of the door latch mechanism caused binding of the latch.ford's response to the preliminary evaluation information request provided 19 consumer reports and 28 warranty claims attributed to the door latch where the doors came open while the vehicles were being driven.three (3) of the 17 opening odi reports were duplicated in ford's response.this investigation has been upgraded to engineering analysis ea04-023 for further study.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2000 Ford Focus3,686 complaints