Ford, Lincoln Facing Class Action Over Alleged 'Door Ajar' Defect

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A proposed class action filed in California alleges certain Ford and Lincoln vehicle models contain a door latch assembly defect that can cause false “door ajar” warnings that could lead to doors not locking and battery drainage. Filed against both Ford Motor Company and Lincoln Motor Company, the lawsuit claims the following vehicle models may contain the alleged defect:

• 2011 to 2016 Ford Edge
• 2012 to 2014 Ford Flex
• 2013 to 2014 Ford Explorers
• 2011 to 2013 Lincoln MKX
• 2013 Lincoln MKT

The case alleges the false “door ajar” warning can remain active for hours, even when the vehicle is turned off and doors are closed, and does not deactivate when the doors are opened and shut again. Worse, the suit claims the defect’s presence is not limited to only when vehicles are stationary:

“When the warning is falsely activated, all of the doors unlock, and the drive is unable to relock them, permitting passengers to open the doors while the vehicle is in motion and allowing the doors to open in the event of an accident, thereby increasing the risk of harm to the vehicle’s occupants,” the case claims.

The lawsuit then highlights the dangers posed by the alleged defect when driving at night:

“These false warnings can also cause the interior dome lights to illuminate and remain on for an unspecified period of time, and an audible alarm sounds repeatedly,” the complaint reads. “The failure of the dome lights to extinguish makes it difficult to see the road and other vehicles at night.”

What’s problematic for consumers, the case alleges, is the supposed defect often pops up after an owner or lessee’s warranty period has expired, during which it may cost as much as $700 out of pocket to repair “a problem [Ford and Lincoln] know will affect many of their customers.”