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Ford recalls 390,000 cars to fix door latches

ASSOCIATED PRESS
In this May 8, 2013 file photo, a row of new 2013 Ford Fusions are on display at an automobile dealership in Zelienople, Pa.

DETROIT » Ford is recalling about 390,000 cars because the doors may not latch properly and could open while the cars are in motion.

The recall covers certain 2012 through 2014 Ford Fiestas, and 2013 and 2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars that were made in Mexico.

The automaker said Friday that a part in the door latch spring assembly can break, causing the latch to fail. If that happens, it’s possible a door could fly open while the cars are being driven.

Ford Motor Co. said two people suffered sore shoulders from doors bouncing back after they were closed. There’s also a report of one accident when an unlatched door opened and hit another car in a parking lot.

Dealers will replace all four door latches at no cost to customers.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating Fiesta door latches in September after getting 61 complaints about the doors. A dozen people complained that a door opened while the cars were in motion.

NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind said in a statement that Ford took a step to protect its customers in response to the investigation, which "demonstrated a clear risk to safety."

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