Recall for over 1 million Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs due to potential brake fluid leaks

Ford has issued a safety recall for 1.28 million Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans sold in the US over faulty brake fluid hoses, which can rupture, require more distance to stop vehicles and “increase the risk of accidents,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected vehicles are approximately 1.2 million Ford Fusions manufactured between 2013 and 2018 and approximately 113,000 Lincoln MKZs of the same model years.

A worker prepares a Ford Fusion Energi sedan at the company’s booth ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, in this November 14, 2016 file photo. Patrick T Fallon/Bloomberg/Getty

NHTSA said in a document detailing the recall that an estimated 2% of affected vehicles have the defect. Owners of vehicles subject to the recall will be “notified by mail and directed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealership for the repair needed,” NHTSA said, adding that the notification letters are “expected to be in by March 28.” “

Owners will not be billed for the repair, the NHTSA said.

According to the federal agency, a hose carrying brake fluid to the front brakes on affected vehicles may rupture and cause “progressive brake fluid leakage” due to normal wear and tear associated with interacting with suspension and steering hardware.

In cars that have the leak, drivers may notice the brake pedal pressing further under their feet “along with a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of an accident.”

In addition to the change in braking behavior of affected vehicles, NHTSA said a brake fluid warning light on the dashboard may illuminate if a leak is detected.

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It’s not the first brake-related recall for Ford in recent years. Exactly one year ago, the auto giant recalled nearly 215,000 pickup trucks and large SUVs in the US and Canada over a possible brake fluid leak.

This recall affected some 2016-2018 F-150 pickups and 2016-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.

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Tucker Real

Tucker Reals is the foreign editor of CBSNews.com, based in CBS News’ London office.

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