In a sweeping recall announcement that has rattled Canadian Ford owners, the American automaker has ordered 35,000 vehicles off Canadian roads due to potentially hazardous door lock malfunctions. The recall targets popular models including the rugged Bronco SUV and the company’s flagship electric vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E, manufactured between 2023 and early 2025.
Transport Canada officials confirmed yesterday that the defective door latch mechanisms could unexpectedly disengage while vehicles are in motion, creating significant safety risks for drivers and passengers alike. In extreme cases, doors may swing open during turns or sudden stops, exposing occupants to potential ejection from the vehicle.
“We’ve documented several incidents where drivers reported doors opening unexpectedly while traveling at highway speeds,” said Richard Martinez, Transport Canada’s safety compliance director. “Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported in Canada to date, but the potential for harm is substantial.”
The technical issue stems from a manufacturing defect in the door latch assemblies, where metal components can experience premature wear, particularly in regions with extreme temperature fluctuations. Engineering analysis revealed that repeated freezing and thawing cycles common in Canadian winters accelerate the degradation of these critical safety components.
Ford Canada spokesperson Jennifer Williams emphasized the company’s proactive approach to the problem. “The safety of our customers remains our top priority. While the failure rate has been relatively low at approximately 1.2% of affected vehicles, we’re taking immediate action to address this issue before it becomes more widespread.”
According to internal CO24 News investigations, Ford first became aware of the potential defect after a cluster of customer complaints emerged in Quebec and Alberta during the January 2025 cold snap. Subsequent engineering tests confirmed the connection between temperature variations and latch reliability.
The recall process will begin next week, with affected owners receiving direct notifications by mail and through Ford’s digital owner portals. The repair involves replacing the entire door latch assembly with redesigned components manufactured to withstand more extreme conditions. Ford estimates the repair will take approximately two hours per vehicle and will be performed at no cost to owners.
This recall represents another challenge for Ford’s CO24 Business strategy as it continues navigating the transition to electric vehicles. The inclusion of the Mach-E in this recall is particularly troubling for the automaker, as it has positioned the electric crossover as a technological showcase and cornerstone of its electrification strategy in the Canada News automotive market.
Industry analysts note this is the fourth major recall affecting Ford’s newer models in Canada since January. “Ford’s quality control processes deserve scrutiny,” commented automotive industry analyst Margaret Chen. “While all manufacturers experience recalls, the frequency of issues with these flagship models raises questions about production oversight and testing protocols, particularly for vehicles destined for markets with extreme climates.”
For concerned owners, Ford has established a dedicated recall hotline (1-800-565-3673) and created an online verification tool where customers can enter their Vehicle Identification Number to determine if their specific vehicle requires service.
As Canadian regulators continue monitoring the situation, the question remains: will this latest safety concern further erode consumer confidence in Ford’s newer models, or will the company’s swift response help maintain trust in its evolving product lineup?
