The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·14V597000·Announced 2014-09-26

Ford Recalls 2013-2014 Models for Restraint Control Module Defect

Ford is recalling 2013-2014 C-Max, Fusion, Escape, and Lincoln MKZ vehicles because a defect in the Restraint Control Module may prevent airbags and seat belt pretensioners from functioning in a crash.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect where safety restraints (airbags and pretensioners) may fail to function, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'structural vehicle defect' or 'significant injury' risk.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max, Ford Fusion, Ford Escape, and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The recall covers vehicles manufactured between specific dates in 2011 and 2013, including C-Max units made from January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Fusion units made from February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Escape units made from October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ units made from April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013.

The defect involves the coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM), which may crack. When exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short. These short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags, and seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015, but parts were not currently available at the time of the notice. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
FORD, LINCOLN ESCAPE, FUSION, MKZ, C-MAX
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Safety Restraints
Hazard
Affected units
746,842

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (4)

  • ESCAPE
  • FUSION
  • MKZ
  • C-MAX

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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