U.S. to investigate 346k Ford SUVs as doors unexpectedly open By Investing.com

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed Tuesday that the U.S. regulator has opened an investigation into Detroit automaker, Ford Motor Company (NYSE:) after receiving 118 questionnaires pointing to the potential for poor spot welds in the check arm bracket for the front doors in Ford Escape vehicles. A poor weld could potentially lead to an assembly failure and result in a door inadvertently opening while driving.

The investigation covers 346,000 Ford Escape SUVs built between 2020 and 2021.

NHTSA reported that it has received 25 reports of minor injuries and one report of minor property damage tied to the issue.

Some Escape owners were quoted $1,800 to $2,500 in repair costs to replace a front driver-side door that needed to be replaced. Others say they can still close doors but there are creaking and grinding noises when in use.

Several owners said their door windows had stopped working. Many more consumers have reported hearing popping noises when opening the door as the door check bracket begins to separate.

Ford said it is “working with NHTSA to support their investigation.”

NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation is a first step before the agency could demand a recall.

Shares of F are up 0.20% in early trading on Tuesday.