Ford Recalls Fusion and Escape Vehicles for Transmission Shifter Cable Defect
Ford is recalling 2013-2016 Fusion and 2013-2014 Escape vehicles because a transmission shifter cable bushing may degrade, allowing the vehicle to move unexpectedly.
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 the transmission may not be in Park, creating a risk of the vehicle moving unexpectedly and causing a crash.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2013-2014 Ford Escape and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. The recall addresses a defect where the bushing that attaches the transmission shifter cable to the transmission may degrade over time and detach. This condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key while the transmission is not actually in Park, without any warning message or audible chime.
If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing free of charge. The recall began on September 20, 2018. Owners are directed to use the parking brake until the recall remedy repairs can be made. 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 FUSION, ESCAPE
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle — Transmission
- Affected units
- 504,182
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 (2)
- FUSION
- ESCAPE
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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