Ford issues recall following complaints, News 6 investigation

More than six months after News 6 investigated faulty door locks on Ford vehicles, the auto manufacturer has announced a massive recall.

Ford Motor Company said the issue is a faulty spring inside the door latch, that can prevent the door from staying closed.

The recall announced Thursday affects more than 800,000 vehicles.

Back in February, News 6 introduced you to 2012 Ford Focus owner Shannon Heil. While many Ford vehicles were being recalled for the door latch issue, her car was not on the list.

Heil showed News 6 how she was using a bungee chord to keep her doors closed while driving.

"Our purses have detachable purse straps and we ended up wrapping that around the door handle on the inside of the car and me in the passenger seat holding it closed while my mom drove," said Heil.

Heil's mother said when they went to the dealership, they were told they would have to pay nearly $500 if they wanted the problem fixed.

"My daughter can't afford to do it. How many other people out there cannot afford to do it and having to drive around with bungee chords," said her mother, Laura Heil.

Also, back in February, News 6 spoke with consumer advocate Josh Elledge with SavingsAngel.com about his advice for Ford owners.

"You know what, credit to News 6 for getting results," said Elledge.

Elledge said the delay for the recall was most likely because of a thorough investigation done by Ford, but emphasizes consumer's ability to voice their concerns on social media.
  
"One thing we know about social media is that it has really equalized the playing field as far as people having a voice, and if there is a large company that's not being responsive, it's time to get noisy on social medial," said Elledge.

In states such as Florida, owners of vehicles on the recall list can get the repairs done immediately.