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Ford Recalling 2013-MY Focus, C-MAX and Escape Vehicles

Ford dealers will address a potential problem involving the left rear-door child lock. The recall is expected to begin March 25.

by Staff
March 18, 2013
2 min to read


Ford Motor Co. is recalling 5,675 2013 model-year Ford Focus, C-MAX and Escape vehicles to address a potential problem involving the left rear-door child lock, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported.

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The recall involves 2013 Focus and C-MAX vehicles built Nov. 16-21 in 2012, as well as 2013 Escape vehicles built Nov. 14-21 in 2012. Because of a manufacturing flaw, the child lock may not engage properly.

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To remedy the problem, Ford dealers will inspect the affected rear-door latches and replace them if necessary. There will be no charge for this service. The recall is expected to get under way March 25. Owners can reach Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

In a separate action, Ford is also recalling 196,667 2004-2007 model-year Freestar and Mercury vehicles equipped with a third-row seat and originally sold or registered in a state that uses corrosive road materials during snow removal efforts.

According to NHTSA, the third-row stowable seat can experience corrosion and structural degradation at the seat anchor mechanism mounted to the rear wheel wells. As a result of the corrosion, the third-row seat may not latch fully into its seating position. This condition poses a safety risk if the vehicle is crashed into from the rear.

To remedy the problem, Ford dealers will install new third-row seat latch striker mounting brackets, free of charge. This recall, due to begin March 27, covers 2004-2007 Freestar and Mercury vehicles originally sold or registered in Washington, D.C., and the following states:

  • Connecticut

  • Delaware

  • Illinois

  • Indiana

  • Iowa

  • Maine

  • Maryland

  • Massachusetts

  • Michigan

  • Minnesota

  • Missouri

  • New Hampshire

  • New Jersey

  • New York

  • Ohio

  • Pennsylvania

  • Rhode Island

  • Vermont

  • West Virginia

  • Wisconsin.

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