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Ford Recalls 1.3 Million Fusion and Lincoln MKZ Sedans for Brake Hose Leaks

Ford is recalling nearly 1.3 million of its 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans in North America due to a front brake hose that could rupture and leak brake fluid, potentially affecting stopping ability and increasing the risk of a crash. The recall covers 1,280,726 sedans in the US, 66,000 vehicles in Canada, and 18,000 vehicles in Mexico.^[0]

The brakes can suffer from a leak due to normal wear and tear associated with its interaction with suspension and steering hardware.^[1] This could cause a progressive brake fluid leak which could lead to an increase in pedal travel together with a reduction in the rate of deceleration.^[2] In the event of a leak, a brake fluid warning light may illuminate on the dashboard.^[0]

Ford has submitted a recall notification letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for approval.^[3] Once approved, letters will be mailed to owners of the affected vehicles outlining the appropriate steps to take for repair.^[3] The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that letters will be sent out^[3] Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge.^[4]

In addition to the Fusion and MKZ recall, Ford is also recalling about 280,000 F-150 pickups globally from the 2021 model year due to a faulty windshield wiper motor and 488,000 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKZ crossovers for a similar brake hose issue.

Owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 and ask about recall 23S12, or contact the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.^[5] Affected owners can expect to receive instructions by mail between April 17 and April 28 to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for free hose replacement.^[2]

0. “Ford Recalls 1.3 Million Fusions and MKZs, Again, For Brake Defect” Jalopnik, 16 Mar. 2023, https://jalopnik.com/ford-fusion-lincoln-mkz-brake-hose-leak-recall-nhtsa-1850232518

1. “Recall issued for over 1 million Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs over potential brake fluid leak” CBS News, 17 Mar. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ford-recall-fusion-and-lincoln-mkz-brake-fluid-hose-leak-risk-of-accident

2. “Recall alert: Ford recalls more than 1 million vehicles over brake fluid hose issue” WHIO, 17 Mar. 2023, https://www.whio.com/news/trending/recall-alert-ford-recalls-more-than-1-million-vehicles-over-brake-fluid-hose-issue/US5B52VQPVCJHEVIS2S2PZCRNI/

3. “1 Million Fords and Lincolns Recalled Due To Break Fluid Leaks” Fatherly, 17 Mar. 2023, https://www.fatherly.com/news/fords-lincolns-recalled-brake-fluid-issue

4. “Ford recalls more than 1 million cars over brake fluid issue” New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2023, https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-ford-recall-mllion-cars-brake-fluid-issue-20230317-lqfctxclqfe6nouqz4op2i54vi-story.html

5. “Ford recalling over 1 million cars over brake hose issue” KTRK-TV, 16 Mar. 2023, https://abc13.com/ford-recalling-over-1-million-cars-over-brake-hose-issue/12964188/