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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a recall affecting nearly 1.3 million Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans, which are equipped with faulty brake hoses that could lead to an increased risk of a car accident. Ford has already received a report of a non-lethal crash related to the defect.
The recall includes model year 2013 through 2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold in the United States. The front brake hoses in these vehicles may rupture and leak brake fluid, potentially causing braking problems and requiring the driver to apply more pressure than usual to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Ford is sending an interim letter to affected customers on April 17, 2023 and a second letter will be sent once replacement parts are available. Owners will, of course, not be charged for the replacement of the faulty hoses.
What Is a Brake Hose Exactly?
The brake hoses are a crucial component of a vehicle’s braking system, connecting the calipers to the wheel cylinder. These hoses must possess the flexibility to adapt to the movements of the suspension, particularly when the wheels are turned or the vehicle is navigating rough terrain. In the event of a brake hose malfunction, it can have a detrimental impact on the overall braking system. Some common signs that a brake hose may be faulty include noticeable symptoms that can warn the driver of an impending issue.
Risks of a Faulty Break Hose
If you own one of the affected vehicles, you want to have the brake hose inspected and replaced as soon as possible to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers while driving.
A faulty brake hose in a vehicle can pose a significant risk to the driver and other passengers. When a brake hose fails or ruptures, it can cause a leak in the brake system, which can result in a loss of braking power. This can make it difficult for the driver to bring the vehicle to a stop, especially in an emergency situation, which increases the risk of a collision or other type of vehicle accident.
In addition to the risk of a collision, a faulty brake hose can also cause other types of brake problems. For example, if the brake hose ruptures, the brake fluid can leak out, which can cause the brakes to become spongy or unresponsive. This can make it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle, which can lead to further accidents or other types of incidents.
In some cases, a faulty brake hose can also cause damage to other components of the vehicle’s braking system. For example, if the hose ruptures, the brake fluid can come into contact with other parts of the braking system, causing corrosion and other types of damage. This can lead to even more serious brake problems in the future, and can even cause the braking system to fail completely.
Overall, a faulty brake hose can pose a significant risk to vehicle safety, and it is important to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible if it is found to be defective.
Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ Recall History
The Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ have been subject to several recalls throughout their production history. Some of the most common reasons for recalls include issues with the vehicle’s airbags, power steering, and transmission.
For example, in 2016, Ford issued a recall for certain model year 2014-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles because the steering gear motor attachment bolts could loosen, causing a loss of electric power-assisted steering. In the same year, Ford also issued a recall for the 2014-2015 model year Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles to address a potential problem with the airbags that could prevent them from deploying in a crash.
In 2018, Ford issued a recall for certain model year 2017 Ford Fusion vehicles because the transmission shift cable adjuster clip may not be fully seated and could come out of place, potentially causing the shift cable to detach from the transmission.
Contacting Ford
Customers who have any questions or concerns regarding the recall can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 (reference recall number 23S12). You can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.