Braking Issue Prompts Ford to Recall 600,000 Sedans

A total of 600,166 units of older-model Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles are being recalled over problems that could affect braking and increase the risk of a crash.

The safety recall affects Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ sedans from the 2006 through 2010 model years that were assembled at the company’s Hermosillo Assembly Plant in Mexico between February 22, 2006 and July 15, 2009.

According to Ford, the recall was prompted when a valve that is normally closed inside the hydraulic control unit was discovered to have the potential to get stuck in the open position or be slow to close. This could result in difficulties in engaging the brakes and increase the risk of a crash.

The automaker said it is aware of 15 reports of accidents and two injuries possibly related to the problem.

To fix the issue, owners of affected sedans are instructed to bring their cars to dealerships where the hydraulic control units will be inspected for signs of the problem. If necessary, Ford will replace the control units. Dealers will reportedly pressure-flush the system with brake fluid and replace the reservoir cap with a new one.

In addition to the 600,000-vehicle recall, Ford is also recalling 33 units of its 2020 F-150 trucks in the United States and 51 in Canada due to potentially damaged spare tires.

According to the report, the bead area on the tires may have been damaged during the mounting process onto the wheel assembly. This makes the wheels vulnerable to corrosion, separation of the bead wire, a rapid loss of air pressure, and detachment from the wheel.

The affected vehicles were built at the Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan from November 10 to 21, 2019.

Owners are advised to bring their trucks to a Ford dealership to have their spare tires replaced.