Ford Motor Company recently issued a recall of 1.4 million cars because the steering wheel can fall off. It also reported that two accidents and one injury may have been caused by the defect.
The recall applies to every version of the Ford Fusion and the Lincoln MKZ from 2014-2018.
Apparently, the problem is the steering wheel bolt, which can become loose, causing the steering wheel to potentially detach.
Recall announced after NHTS investigation
The recall is the result of an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTS) after it received three complaints reporting the steering wheel flaw. One Georgia driver complained after the steering wheel of his 2015 Ford Fusion fell into his lap when turning into a gas station. The other two reported that the bolt to the steering column became loose while driving.
Dealers will replace the bolts with longer ones that have more aggressive threads and a nylon patch to stop them from coming loose for free.
Just over 1.3 million cars in the U.S. are being recalled, while 62,500 in Canada and over 14,000 in Mexico are being recalled.
Specific Ford models affected by the recall
Fusion Models:
--Fusion S
--Fusion SE
--Hybrid S
--Hybrid SE
--Hybrid Titanium
--Energi SE
--Energi Titanium
--Fusion Sport
--Fusion Platinum
--Fusion Hybrid Platinum
--Fusion Energi Platinum
Lincoln MKZ Models:
--Lincoln MKZ Premier
--Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Premier
--Lincoln MKZ Black Label
Addition Ford recalls
The company also recalled another 6,000 Fusion and Focus models in the U.S. and Canada due to a risk of fire from a fracture in the clutch pressure plate. There is a risk that the fracture can cause the transmission fluid to leak, increasing the risk of an engine-compartment fire.
Ford reported that it was unaware of any injuries, fires or accidents in connection with this problem, but said that dealers would fix the issue at no cost.
Affected vehicles are:
- Ford Focus model years 2013-16 with the Fox GTDI engine and B6 manual transmissions.
- Ford Fusion model years 2013-15, with the Sigma GTDI engines and B6 manual transmissions
Other company steering wheel recalls.
Ford isn’t the only auto company that has had to issue a recall for flawed steering wheels. Hyundai issued one in February that affected 43,900 vehicles. Those steering wheels risked breaking away from the steering column as well. That recall affected the 2018 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport SUVs.
Group Matrix Blog – April 02, 2018 – by Sharon Bowles
