2018-2022 Ford Safety Recall Expands as Investigators Find Faulty Doors Can Fly Open at Highway Speeds
Mysterious reports of driver doors popping open on 2018-2022 Ford Explorers, F-150s, and Mustangs have triggered an expansion of a 2018-2022 Ford safety recall. Consumer complaints surged last week after a viral TikTok dashcam video showed a minivan sideswiped when an Explorer’s driver door suddenly unlatched during a left turn. Social media users are circulating a fake audio clip claiming Ford is blaming the issue on "heavy-handed car washes," but our fact-check confirms the real culprit is a defective latch spring, not aggressive detailing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has now upgraded the investigation, urging 1.3 million owners to check their VINs immediately. Do not believe the rumor that a firmware update can fix this—mechanical inspection is required.