DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company is recalling nearly 1.3 million model-year 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedans which might develop a brake fluid leak from a ruptured front brake jounce hose.
The recall covers the following vehicles produced between Feb. 3, 2012, and July 19, 2017:
220,367 – 2013 model year Fusion vehicles
267,524 – 2014 model year Fusion vehicles
188,403 – 2015 model year Fusion vehicles
280,180 – 2016 model year Fusion vehicles
211,313 – 2017 model year Fusion vehicles
38 – 2018 model year Fusion vehicles
22,272 – 2013 model year MKZ vehicles
22,040 – 2014 model year MKZ vehicles
16,623 – 2015 model year MKZ vehicles
20,709 – 2016 model year MKZ vehicles
31,242 – 2017 model year MKZ vehicles
15 – 2018 model year MKZ vehicles
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-162, “A ruptured front brake jounce hose will cause a progressive brake fluid leak. The driver may experience an increase in pedal travel together with a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of a crash.”
The cause of this potential condition occurs, according to NHTSA, “from a consistent localized failure of the internal reinforcement braid due to cyclic fatigue via tensile/bending and torsional inputs during suspension and steering articulations.”
The report further stated the testing of this component was inadequate. “It was discovered that only 88% of suspension articulation was utilized on the brake hose test rig during life testing.”
Ford, according to NHTSA, is aware of one accident related to this issue, but no injuries or fatalities.
The remedy calls for replacement of the hoses at a franchised Ford/Lincoln dealer.
Dealers were scheduled to be notified by March 13; owners are scheduled to be notified by April 17.
