205,000 Ford Fiestas investigated for door-latching issue

DETROIT (Reuters) -- U.S. safety regulators have opened an investigation into an estimated 205,000 Ford Fiesta small cars after receiving consumer complaints that doors failed to properly latch or stay closed.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a preliminary evaluation into the issue in 2011-13 Fiestas after it received 61 complaints.

A spokeswoman at Ford Motor Co. said that it was cooperating with the NHTSA investigation.

In several cases, the "door ajar" warning light on the dash appeared, according to documents filed on the NHTSA website. In 12 cases, the door opened after it was shut and the drivers started their routes. One injury was reported.

NHTSA said in the documents filed online that it was opening the investigation to further analyze the scope, frequency and consequences of the reported incidents.

A preliminary investigation is the first step in a process that could lead to a recall if regulators determine that a manufacturer needs to address a safety issue.