Ford will recall two hybrid models, including its Fusion, to fix software-related braing problems.
Under prodding from Consumer Reports, a long-time strong proponent of Toyota quality, Ford Motor Company has launched a customer satisfaction program to update the software of the regenerative brake system of some 2010-model Ford Fusion Hybrids and Mercury Milan Hybrids.
“We have received reports that some drivers have experienced a different brake feel when the hybrid’s unique regenerative brakes switch to conventional hydraulic braking. While the vehicles maintain full braking capability, customers may initially perceive the condition as loss of brakes,” Ford said in a statement.
This is exactly the same type of problem that editor Ken Zino exposed back in December with Toyota Prius Hybrid brakes.
To be clear, Ford claims the Fusion and Milan Hybrids’ brake system maintains full conventional brakes and full ABS function even as the customer sees visual indicators and hears a chime. The software threshold to transition from regenerative brakes to conventional brakes can cause the system to transition to conventional brakes unnecessarily, Ford spokesperson Said Deep said.
Deep said the software upgrade would reduce unnecessary occurrences of the vehicle switching from regenerative braking to conventional hydraulic brakes.
Customers with affected vehicles will receive a notice in the mail. We are asking owners of affected vehicles to have vehicle software reprogrammed at dealers at no charge, he said.
So is Ford using the same software and hardware in the system as Toyota does in the Prius?
And more importantly what does the fix do-does it change the behavior of the components or just turn off the audible and visual indications that the driver sees with no real change in system function? They are not real clear on that point.
Also what is the timew frame for the fix ?
Fix is in place. See dealer.
It’s no big deal. While test-driving a Fusion Hybrid for a week (report and analysis to come, TBD readers), I noted once while in the driveway shifting from reverse to forward that the brake pedal seemed for a moment like it was old-fashioned manual rather than power-assisted.
Preview of report: I was more impressed than I expected to be. It’s far more than “just another Fusion.”