Two Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F) models are under investigation by US safety regulators on Monday for problems similar to those that have caused nearly 3 million other Ford vehicles to be recalled.
The probes cover about 643,000 vehicles including 380,000 Edge SUVs from the 2011 to 2013 model years, and nearly 263,000 Fusions from the 2010 model year. In each case, other Ford vehicles have been recalled for what appears to be the same problems.
Over 1,500 drivers complained of the door ajar warning light does not shut off and some reported doors that can fly open while the vehicle is in motion.
The problem is similar to one that has dogged Ford for the past year, forcing it to recall 2.4 million other vehicles.
In the other case, the electric power-assisted steering can fail on the 2010 Ford Fusion. Last year, the company recalled Fusions from the 2011 and 2012 model years, but did not recall the 2010 models even though they have the same power steering system, the safety agency said in documents posted Monday. NHTSA said it has 12 reports of crashes and four injuries due to the problem.
The investigations could lead to expansion of the previous recalls, although that decision has not been made. The safety agency says it will "assess the scope, frequency and consequence" of the alleged defects.
Ford shares were lower pre-market but are now on the rise, up 0.5% to $12.12 in early trading.