Certain Ford pick up trucks and Lincoln cars may have a defective handle causing the door to open during impact.

Investigation and potential class action lawsuit against Ford Motor Company for a potential safety defect that affects all door latch mechanisms in the following model year vehicles: 1997 through 2001 Ford F150 pick-up trucks (painted door handles); 1997 through 2001 Ford F250-light duty only (painted door handles); 1997 through 2001 Ford Expedition (painted door handles); 1997 through 2001 Lincoln Navigator (painted door handles); and 1997 through 2001 Lincoln Blackwood pick-up truck (painted door handles).

The investigation to date of a potential class action lawsuit against Ford reveals that the door latch mechanisms contain a safety defect which makes the doors prone to come open in an accident. This can result in occupant ejections during rollovers and side-impact accidents. These latches may not comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 206). The door latch mechanism is capable of being replaced and repaired with FMVSS compliant parts. Owners of the above described Ford trucks may be entitled to the costs of repair and replacement parts for these vehicles. Replacement door handles with new and compliant hardware are available at a local Ford dealership at your request and your expense if you are interested in proceeding in that manner.