Ford to recall 230,000 minivans over seat latches

CHICAGO: US automaker Ford said Thursday it would recall nearly 230,000 minivans to repair a defect that could allow corrosive elements to weaken a latch on the third row seats.

The bulk of the vehicles will be recalled from 21 northern US states where road salt is used regularly in the winters.

Some 33,200 will be recalled in Canada and around 40 others will be recalled from other countries, Ford said.

Dealers will install new mounting brackets to move the seat latches away from the "potentially corroded area" so the seats do not come loose, Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker said.

"In addition, dealers will install overlay panels in the exterior of the vehicle's wheel wells to prevent entry of water and corrosive elements," she said.

The recall affects Freestar and Monterey vehicles from model years 2004 through 2007.

No accidents or injuries were reported as a result of the defect.