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Ford Focus Recall 16V698: Hatch Can Open Accidentally, Risking Rear Passengers

NHTSA campaign 16V698, reported September 28, 2016, 64,038 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchbacks built between February 2012 and August 2016 with a manual transmission can have the rear hatch unlatched by a single press of the interior latch release button. The vehicles do not meet a federal door lock and retention safety standard.

Because only one press is needed, the driver could unlatch the hatch by accident. If that happens, the hatch can open while the car is in use, which raises the risk of injury to passengers sitting in the back.

Ford will notify owners, and authorized dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software at no cost to you. Ford customer service can be reached at 1-866-436-7332 (Ford recall number 16C13). Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for open recalls to confirm whether your car is affected.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 16V698Ford Motor Company
Component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK; STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Risk
With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Ford Focus20132014201520162017