— Owners of 2020-2021 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid SUVs may get some help with front door problems caused by front door check arm spot welds.
Ford plans on notifying Escape customers in March 2024 about customer satisfaction program 23B56 which will provide a free one-time repair.
Calling it a "proactive repair," Ford agreed to implement customer satisfaction program 23B56 following a federal investigation into Ford Escape door check arm failures.
Examples of door check arm spot weld problems come from these two drivers of 2020 Ford Escapes.
"I have had this car 1.5 years and I opened the driver's side door and heard a popping noise. I took it to the dealership and they said the hinge was broken and would not be covered by my extended warranty, and that I had to take it to a body shop. Why in the heck would this not be covered? I didn't have a wreck, the wind didn't catch the door - it just broke. I am not impressed with Ford's service so far.."
"The door will not shut - it swings wide open. A tack weld broke on hinge."
Prior to Ford Escape customer satisfaction program 23B56, the automaker had issued special service message (SSM) 50150 to dealerships for 2020-2021 Ford Escapes.
The SSM, titled, "Cracked Or Broken Spot Welds In The Left Front Door At The Check Arm Attachment Points In The Door Assembly," said some high-usage fleet customers had problems with the doors.
Ford told dealers replacing the door assembly and door check arm was the correct repair.
Ford dealerships will inspect the door check arm welds for any damage and will add a rivet plate to reinforce the existing door check arm, or the entire Escape front door will be replaced.
Ford dealers will make the decision on which repair is provided based on the level of check arm weld damage.
CarComplaints.com will soon update this page when additional details are released about the 2020-2021 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid door check arm customer satisfaction program 23B56.
