Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
In recent years, concerns have grown about faulty door latches in certain Ford vehicles. Drivers of 2012 and 2013 Ford Focus models have reported doors failing to stay shut—or worse, swinging open while the car is in motion. This has raised serious safety questions and triggered a federal investigation.
If you or someone you know drives one of these vehicles, it’s essential to understand the risks, your legal rights, and what steps you can take to stay safe.
The issue centers around defective door latch mechanisms that may not properly close the door. In some reports, drivers stated the door appeared to close normally but later popped open on its own while driving.
This problem has been linked to more than 400,000 vehicles. As of the latest update, at least 73 complaints have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and one injury has been confirmed.
More than 400,000 Ford Focus vehicles from 2012 and 2013 are under federal investigation due to doors that may open while driving—a serious safety hazard. — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The NHTSA is responsible for reviewing consumer complaints and enforcing vehicle safety standards. In response to the reports, they’ve launched an active investigation into the faulty latch mechanisms.
Ford has not issued a formal recall at this time. However, investigations like these often lead to voluntary or mandatory recalls if the issue is found to affect safety.
Vehicle door latch failure is a known safety defect. If it causes injury, victims may have grounds to file a product liability claim under Oklahoma law. — Oklahoma Statutes, Title 76, Section 50 (Products Liability)
If you drive a 2012 or 2013 Ford Focus, it’s a good idea to check whether your vehicle has an open safety recall. You can do this by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the NHTSA website at nhtsa.gov or using Ford’s official recall lookup tool.
Even if no recall is listed, it’s wise to stay alert to any signs of door issues—such as clicking sounds, looseness, or trouble staying latched. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t drive the vehicle. Have it inspected immediately?
Defective vehicle parts fall under product liability law. If a faulty latch causes an injury, the manufacturer may be held responsible. Product liability claims often involve:
If a car door swings open while driving, it can lead to serious injuries—especially if someone falls from the vehicle or another driver swerves to avoid it.
In Oklahoma, product liability laws are designed to protect consumers harmed by unsafe products, including defective car parts. You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a claim.
The law also follows a comparative fault rule. If you’re found partially at fault—for example, by continuing to drive the car after noticing latch problems—your compensation may be reduced.
Proving a product liability claim often involves gathering strong evidence, such as:
Having an experienced legal team is often key to handling these details correctly.
Taking legal action against a major car company can feel overwhelming. These companies have their teams of attorneys and experts. That’s why having a product liability lawyer matters.
At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, the legal team handles every step of the process—from investigating the defect and gathering reports to negotiating with manufacturers and representing clients in court if needed.
They work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. You only pay if compensation is recovered.
Detail | Information |
| Model Years Affected | 2012 and 2013 Ford Focus |
| Number of Vehicles Involved | Over 400,000 |
| Complaints Filed with NHTSA | 73+ (as of last update) |
| Nature of Defect | Doors may not latch or may open while driving |
| Injuries Reported | At least one confirmed injury |
| Current Status | Under investigation – no recall issued yet |
A latch mechanism defect may prevent the door from securing properly. In some cases, the door may appear shut but can fly open while driving, posing serious risk.
No recall has been issued as of now. The NHTSA investigation is ongoing and may lead to a recall recommendation.
You can check for recalls at nhtsa.gov or through Ford’s recall tool. If you notice latch issues, stop using the vehicle and have it inspected.
Yes. Injuries linked to a known vehicle defect may be grounds for a product liability claim. A qualified attorney can help determine if you have a case.
Under Oklahoma law, victims may pursue compensation for medical expenditures, lost earnings, anguish and suffering, and other related damages.
Most personal injury firms, including product liability lawyers, operate on a contingency fee basis—meaning they don’t charge unless they recover compensation.
Door latch defects in Ford Focus vehicles have become a serious safety concern, leading to an active federal investigation. While a recall has not yet been issued, affected drivers should stay alert, report any problems, and know their legal rights if injuries occur.
Product liability cases can be complex. If a defective vehicle part has harmed you, you may be entitled to compensation. A legal team can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions—especially when going up against large manufacturers.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers has experience handling product liability cases in Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma. If you need help understanding your options after a vehicle defect, they’re ready to review your case and help you move forward.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
