Ford recalls nearly 200K vehicles over risk of children getting trapped in back seat

Ford Motor is recalling nearly 200,000 vehicles in the US over a risk of children getting trapped in the back seat.
When the car's battery is low, a software glitch could make the electronic door latches remain locked after the driver has shut the front door – possibly trapping someone in the back seat who is unable to use door handles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The unexpected lock-out could lead to serious injuries, especially during hot weather, the safety agency warned.
Ford is recalling nearly 200,000 vehicles in the US.
Getty Images
The recall of 197,432 vehicles includes 2021-2025 Mustang Mach E vehicles.
Ford estimates 100% of the vehicles have the defect, according to a recall report.
Customers should bring their vehicles to Ford dealers, where the software can be updated free of charge, the automaker said.
Letters notifying vehicle owners of the recall will be mailed by June 23, and a follow-up letter will be sent when the remedy is available, anticipated for September 29, Ford said.
The NHTSA contacted Ford in January about the software glitch after at least six customers said they had trouble opening the back door after exiting the vehicle, including two drivers who had children in the back seat.
Ford said the faulty part was taken out of production on June 3.
The recall includes 2021-2025 Mustang Mach E vehicles.
REUTERS
The automaker said it is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries related to the software glitch.
There are some warning signs that drivers can look out for to avoid the lock-out, Ford said.
Drivers may notice, for example, that the SYNC screen displays a 'system off to save power' warning or simply turns blank after turning the car off.
They may also notice that inside release handles need to be pulled farther than normal to exit the vehicle through the front door.

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USA Today

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• USA Today

Ford's leadership team studies China's auto industry for competitive edge

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Miami Herald

4 hours ago

• Miami Herald

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Indianapolis Star

4 hours ago

• Indianapolis Star

If it's hot outside, it's even hotter in your vehicle. Never leave pets or children unattended.

We're gong to see high temperatures next week in Indy and it's important to remember that if it's hot outside, it's even hotter in your vehicle. On hot summer days, always double check your backseat for passengers (whether that be pets or children), drink lots of water and be sure to watch for signs of heat cramps, exhaustion or stroke. It is never safe to leave a child, disabled person or pet locked in a car. For more information about how cars can heat up quickly when left in the sun, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website in both English and Spanish. While this applies all year round, it is especially important on warm or hot summer days. Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles, according to the American Veterinarian Medical Association. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise almost 20° F in just 10 minutes, and almost 30° F in 20 minutes. The longer a pet, child or person is inside a car turned off in the heat, the higher it goes. At one hour, your vehicle's inside temperature can be more than 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. Even on a 70-degree day, that's 110 degrees inside a car. More on heat safety: How to stay safe and the signs of heat stroke, exhaustion. What to know before Indy's heat wave Indiana law states that a person who forcibly enters a vehicle to remove a domestic animal is responsible for half of the cost of repairing the vehicle damage directly caused by the person's forcible entry if certain criteria aren't met. You have to reasonably believe that the dog is in imminent danger of dying or suffering serious harm, use no more force than needed and determine that the vehicle is indeed locked so forcible entry is necessary to remove the dog. You must also call 911, and remain with the dog until law enforcement or emergency responders arrive. Rescuers are, however, immune from all other civil or criminal liability for other property damage in this case. So the owner who left their pet in the vehicle can't sue or press charges against you. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that bystanders not wait more than a few minutes for a driver to return to the car and to first assess if the child is responsive or unresponsive. You should call 911 right away and get the child out of the car if they appear to be unresponsive. Be sure to check for unlocked doors first. Once the child is freed from the vehicle, they may need to be sprayed or toweled off with cool water until emergency responders arrive. If a child is responsive, the NHTSA recommends staying with the child outside of the vehicle until law enforcement and or first responders arrive to locate the driver. Like with rescuing animals, a person who causes damage without following proper steps — calling 911, checking for unlocked doors, etc. — could be responsible for some of the repair cost.