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.
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.
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.