1.3 million Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs recalled over brake problem

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall on a substantial portion of its Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles due to a brake issue. Approximately 1.3 million vehicles, including the 2014-2018 model years of the Fusion and the 2015-2018 model years of the MKZ, are affected.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that a fault has been identified in the brake system which could cause the brake vacuum pump to malfunction, resulting in reduced brake effectiveness. The problem could lead to extended stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall comes after the NHTSA opened an investigation into the matter in October 2019. The agency had received over 1,350 reports of reduced brake effectiveness, with some drivers stating that their vehicles had a longer than normal stopping distance. The investigation found that the issue was caused by corrosion on the electrical connectors of the brake vacuum pump.

Ford has stated that it will replace the brake vacuum pump on affected vehicles free of charge. The company is expected to begin notifying owners in the coming weeks. Drivers are encouraged to contact their local dealer for more information.

This recall is the latest in a series of problems to affect Ford’s Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models in recent years. In September 2019, the company announced a recall of the 2013-2016 Fusion and the 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ over an issue which could cause the steering wheel to detach.

In a statement, Ford advised drivers to ensure that their vehicles were up-to-date with any outstanding recalls. “We are committed to providing our customers with safe, quality vehicles, and we apologize for any inconvenience this recall may cause”, the company stated.

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall of 1.3 million of its Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles, spanning the 2014-2018 model years of the Fusion and the 2015-2018 model years of the MKZ, due to a brake issue. This follows an investigation conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which identified a malfunction within the brake system that could reduce the brake effectiveness and lead to extended stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fault has been attributed to corrosion on the electrical connectors of the brake vacuum pump, and Ford will replace the brake vacuum pump on affected vehicles free of charge. Owners of affected vehicles are expected to be notified in the coming weeks and advised to contact their local dealer for more information.

This recall is the latest in a series of issues to affect Ford’s Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models, with a recall having been issued for the 2013-2016 Fusion and the 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ in September 2019 due to an issue that could cause the steering wheel to detach. In response, Ford has urged customers to ensure that their vehicles are up-to-date with any outstanding recalls, stating: “We are committed to providing our customers with safe, quality vehicles, and we apologize for any inconvenience this recall may cause.”