Over half a million Ford Fusions and Escapes may need their shifter cable bushings replaced.
Ford initiated a recall today for 550,000 Fusions and Escapes for a potential rollaway risk. The issue stems from degraded shifter cable bushings that hold the shifter cable to the transmission. Ford stated that the shifter cable may detach from the transmission, allowing it shift out of whichever gear the driver had selected.
“The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to “Park” and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not [actually] be in “Park”, with no warning message or audible chime.” If the driver doesn’t also apply the parking brake, the car could move away unexpectedly, resulting in an accident and serious injury. At the moment, however, Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries linked to the problem, according to a recent statement.
When affected customers take their car in, the Ford dealer will replace the bushing at no cost. Until it does get fixed, Ford is urging owners to apply the parking brake before they get out of their cars.
Affected vehicles under this recall include:Â
- 2014 Ford Fusions built at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant between June 18, 2013 and September 15, 2013
- 2014 – 2016 Ford Fusions built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant between June 2, 2014 and August 31, 2015
- 2013 – 2014 Ford Fusions built at Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly plant between May 15, 2013 and September 15, 2013
- 2014 – 2016 Ford Fusions built at Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly plant between June 2, 2014 and August 31, 2015
- 2013 – 2014 Ford Escapes built at Louisville Assembly plant between May 15, 2013 and September 15, 2013
According to Ford, this latest set of recalls affects approximately 504,182 Fusions and Escapes in the U.S. market. Ford also recalled 36,887 vehicles in Canada and 8,332 in Mexico. The reference number for this recal is 18S20. Owners can enter their VIN into this website to see if their car is involved in the campaign.
