Ford recalled selected 2013 Ford Fusions to correct a problem that could allow the sedan to roll away.
Ford Motor Co.’s problems with rollaways continues as the automaker is recalling about 550,000 cars and SUVs in North America to resolve the issue. The automaker previously had a problem its full-size pickups rolling away.
In this case, some 2013–16 Ford Fusions and 2013–14 Ford Escapes have a gearshift problem that could cause the vehicles to roll away unexpectedly.
Ford says a bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission can fall off. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to “Park” and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in “Park,” with no warning message or audible chime.
If the parking brake is not applied, a degraded shifter cable bushing that detaches from the transmission could result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
(Ford, Takata reach $299M airbag settlement. Click Here for the story.)
The 2013–14 Ford Escape is part of a recall of 550,000 Fusions and Escapes in North America.
The company says it doesn’t know of any crashes or injuries, and Ford is telling owners to use the parking brake.
Affected vehicles include:
- 2014 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant between June 18, 2013 and Sept. 15, 2013
- 2014–16 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant between June 2, 2014 and Aug. 31, 2015
- 2013–14 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant between May 15, 2013 and Sept. 15, 2013
- 2014–16 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant between June 2, 2014 and Aug. 31, 2015
- 2013–14 Ford Escape vehicles built at Louisville Assembly Plant between May 15, 2013 and Sept. 15, 2013
The recall involves approximately 549,401 vehicles in North America, including 504,182 in the United States and federalized territories, 36,887 in Canada, and 8,332 in Mexico. The Ford reference number for this recall is 18S20.
(To see more about the fate of the Ford Fusion, Click Here.)
Dealers will replace the shifter bushing at no cost. Owners will be notified by July 30. Parts should be available late this quarter.