Ford Recalls Nearly 1.3 Million Vehicles Over Brake Hose Issue

Ford is recalling 1,280,726 vehicles, including 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and 2013-2018 Lincoln MKZ sedans, for a brake hose issue that may lead to a brake fluid leak.

A document from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that only 2% of recalled vehicles are estimated to have a suspect brake hose. One crash with no mention of injury has resulted from the issue so far, Ford says.

A brake fluid leak caused by a ruptured one or both hoses increases brake pedal travel, i.e. the distance the pedal must travel to the ground to stop, and therefore the driving distance necessary to bring the vehicle to a halt.

These problems increase the likelihood of accidents, thus necessitating the recall.

The breaks occur because the pipe wears out by bending and rotating during steering and suspension – the pipe only allowed 88% of the suspension’s maximum articulation, or vertical wheel movement, during the tests.

The recalled parts were manufactured in Mexico and were installed in Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles from February 3, 2012 through July 19, 2017.

During the time the vehicles have been on the road, drivers may have seen the brake fluid warning light and fixed the problem. These drivers are eligible for reimbursement as long as it is filed before August 31, 2023.

For other riders, new hoses will be installed free of charge by dealers. These hoses have a different material braid design, making them more robust and able to withstand steering and suspension wear.

Dealers were notified of the impending recall on Monday, while drivers of recalled vehicles will receive letters from April 17 through April 28.