Ford recalled 850,000-plus vehicles, including the 2013 Escape for the 12th time, due to an electrical problem that could cause the airbags to fail.
Ford announced a recall of 850,000 2013 and 2014 model year vehicles because an electrical problem could, in extreme cases, cause the vehicles airbags and seatbelt to fail.
The action affects the Ford Fusion, Ford Escape, Ford C-Max and Lincoln MKZ. Of the 850,000-plus vehicles in the recall, 746,842 were sold in the U.S. The rest were in Canada and Mexico.
The problem is with the restraints control module. It can develop a short that causes the airbag warning light to illuminate or the stability control stop working. However, depending upon where in the system the short develops, it could cause the airbags and the seatbelt pretensioners to falter during a collision.
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The affected vehicles include:
- certain 2013-2014 C-MAX vehicles built at Michigan Assembly Plant, Jan. 19, 2012 to Nov. 21, 2013;
- certain 2013-2014 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Feb. 3, 2012 to Aug. 24, 2013;
- certain 2013-2014 Escape vehicles built at Louisville Assembly Plant, Oct. 5, 2011 to Nov. 1, 2013; and
- certain 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, April 25, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2013.
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Ford said it is unaware of any injuries or deaths related to the problem and will begin notifying owners who need to have their vehicles repairs shortly. The fix will be made free-of-charge.
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This action is the 12th time the 2013 Escape has been recalled. One of the most recalled vehicles in Ford history, it has also been the subject of 41 technical service bulletins for various problems.