Ford has issued a safety recall for more than 1 million Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans over faulty brake fluid hoses that can rupture, requiring more distance to stop the vehicles the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced.
Approximately 1.2 million Ford Fusions made between 2013 and 2018, and about 113,000 Lincoln MKZs of the same model years are covered under the safety recall.
The NHTSA announcement says the hose carrying brake fluid to the front brakes on the affected vehicles can rupture due to normal wear and tear causing “a progressive brake fluid leak.”
In cars that have the leak, drivers may notice the brake pedal depressing further under their feet, “together with a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of a crash.”
A brake fluid warning light may illuminate on the dashboard if a leak is detected.
According to the NHTSA, around 2% of the affected vehicles are estimated to have the defect.
Owners of the vehicles will be notified by mail about how to get the fluid hoses repaired by April 28. There will be no charge for the repair.
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