Ford is recalling 1.3 million 2014–18 model year Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs for a problem with the steering wheel.

Ford Motor Co. is recalling approximately 1.3 million Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans due to a problem with the steering wheel detaching from the steering column.

The automaker says the affected vehicles are from the 2014–18 model years. The cars have a steering wheel bolt that could potentially loosen over time, causing steering wheel to detach from the steering column.

Ford said it is aware of two accidents with one injury that was allegedly related to the steering wheel bolt problem.

“Ford said the recall involves approximately 1,301,986 vehicles in the United States and federalized territories, with an additional 62,479 in Canada and 14,172 in Mexico.”

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Ford said the affected vehicles include:

• 2014–17 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant from Aug. 6, 2013 to Feb. 29, 2016
• 2014–18 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant from July 25, 2013 to March 5, 2018
• 2014–18 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant from July 25, 2013 to March 5, 2018

Ford said its dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt on the affected vehicles “with a longer bolt with more robust thread engagement and larger nylon patch placed properly for proper torque retention” for free.

Additionally, the company recalled 6,000 Ford Focus and Fusions for a problem with the manual transmission that could result in a vehicle fire.

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The company said 2013-16 Ford Focus cars with 1.0-liter Fox GTDI engine and B6 manual transmission and 2013-15 Ford Fusion with 1.6-liter GTDI engine and B6 manual transmission vehicles for potential clutch plate fracture are affected.

In those cars, repeated high-energy clutch slip input made while a driver changes gears can lead to premature clutch lining wear, reducing the mechanical properties of pressure plate material. Repeated cyclic heating and cooling events may cause cracks around the outer edge of the pressure plate.

Ford is not aware of any fires, accidents or injuries associated with this issue. Affected vehicles include:

• 2013–16 Ford Focus vehicles with 1.0-liter Fox GTDI engines and B6 manual transmissions built at Michigan Assembly Plant, July 21, 2014 to June 30, 2016
• 2013–15 Ford Fusion vehicles with 1.6-liter Sigma GTDI engines and B6 manual transmissions built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, March 9, 2012 to June 28, 2014

The recall involves approximately 5,872 vehicles in North America with 5,357 in the United States and 515 in Canada. The Ford reference number for this recall is 18S07.

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Dealers will update Focus vehicles with software that will detect and prevent prolonged clutch slip and will evaluate the clutch for wear and replace as needed. Fusions will be updated with a new clutch assembly at no cost to customers.