NHTSA Complaint #11548171 — 2020 FORD ESCAPE

A weld in the driver-side door failed rendering the door nonfunctional and making it difficult to safely exit the car and creating a concern that the door may not provide proper protection. The weld failure was not due to an accident for any misuse. Personnel in the Ford service department and body shop were very familiar with this problem due to other similar cases. Ford corporate is reluctant to acknowledge or address the problem, stating that the NHTSA has not required a recall. As a senior citizen I should not be expected to climb through my vehicle to exit my vehicle safely and I should have confidence that the door will protect me. The failure of the weld requires the entire door to be replaced at a cost of $2000. Welding is the basic blocking and tackling of car building and Ford has been welding car bodies for over 100 years so there is no excuse.