MAJOR RECALL: Car doors may unlatch and open while driving

A product safety recall has been issued affecting a major car brand, after it was discovered a faulty latch could mean doors can swing open while driving.

A PRODUCT safety recall has been issued affecting a major car brand, after it was discovered a faulty latch could mean doors can swing open while driving.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued the recall today, urging drivers of the vehicles to book appointments with Ford dealers to determine whether or not their car is affected.

More than 42,000 Ford Fiestas built from May 27, 2010 to September 1, 2016 and more than 85,000 Ford Ranger models built from May 23, 2011 to May 20, 2015, have been covered by the mass recall notice.

In affected vehicles the pawl spring tab in a side-door latch could break, which would could prevent the door from latching.

In situations where the door can be closed, the door may unlatch while driving, creating the risk that the occupant could fall out.

Affected consumers will be contacted by Ford and the ACCC urged customers to quote Safety Recall 18S06 when booking a diagnosis appointment and repair.

The vehicles were sold by Ford dealers around the nation from May 27, 2010 to September 1, 2016.

The ACCC's product safety recall website has a list of the affected Vehicle Identification Numbers so drivers can work out whether they need to book an appointment to check whether their vehicle was one with a faulty latch.

Originally published as MAJOR RECALL: Car doors may unlatch and open while driving