Here’s a look at some of the latest recalls and product safety announcements.
Ford recalls 440K vehicles for fire risk, door latch trouble
Ford is recalling more than 440,000 vehicles in North America to fix problems that can cause engine fires and doors to open unexpectedly.
The first recall covers over 230,000 Escape SUVs, Fiesta ST subcompacts, Fusion midsize cars and Transit Connect vans with 1.6-Liter turbocharged engines from 2013 through 2015.
The company says engines can overheat, causing the cylinder head to crack and leak oil that can catch fire. Ford has 29 reports of fires, but no injuries.
Owners can keep driving the vehicles but should go to a dealer if the cars overheat or frequently need coolant.
The company also is adding 211,000 vehicles to a previous recall to replace faulty door latches. That recall covers the 2014 Fiesta and the 2013 and 2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.
Oklahoma company recalls 466 tons of breaded chicken product
An Oklahoma food company is recalling more than 466 tons of breaded chicken because of possible metal in the food.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday that OK Food, Inc. is recalling 933,272 pounds of the food shipped nationwide that was produced between Dec. 19, 2016, and March 7, 2017, and includes the number “P-7092” inside the USDA inspection mark.
The USDA said in a news release that contamination came from metal conveyor belts and was discovered last week. An agency spokesman did not immediately return a phone call for further comment.
The agency says there have been no confirmed reports of injury, but consumers should either throw the product away or return it to the place of purchase.
Feds close probe of Ford SUV door ajar lights without recall
U.S. safety regulators have decided not to seek a recall after investigating complaints that door ajar warning lights won’t turn off on thousands of Ford SUVs.
The probe began in September and found nearly 2,700 complaints and over 33,000 warranty claims due to the problem with the 2011 to 2013 Edge SUV. The complaints included 14 drivers who said doors had opened unexpectedly. Over 440,000 SUVs were covered by the investigation.
But the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined the doors were either opened by passengers or were not latched properly. The agency found no unreasonable safety risk because the latches work correctly and no crashes or crash-related injuries were reported.
Ford determined that contamination can build up on switches that activate the door ajar lights, causing them to fail.
Nissan recalls more than 56,000 cars, cites power steering
Nissan is recalling more than 56,000 cars because of power steering hoses that may leak fluid and potentially lead to fires.
Nissan North America says the recall affects the 2013-2014 Murano vehicles. It says the problem stems from the power steering hose clamp, which may not adequately secure the hose. That could allow the hose to detach and leak power steering fluid. That could lead to a fire If it leaks onto a hot engine or exhaust pipes, the company said.
Nissan says dealers will install a new power steering high pressure hose kit, free of charge. Car owners can contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov.