Ford Recalls 850,000 Vehicles for Air Bag Problem
Ford is recalling 850,000 vehicles to address an electrical problem that could prevent the air bags and other safety systems from working properly in a crash, reported Detroit Free Press.
The recall involves the 2013-14 Ford Fusion, Escape and C-MAX as well as the Lincoln MKZ for an issue with the restraints control module connected to air bags.
Most of the affected vehicles — 745,000 — were sold in the U.S. with 82,000 in Canada and 20,000 in Mexico.
In some of them, the control module can short circuit and trigger the air bag warning light. Depending on the location of the short circuit, it could prevent the air bags, side curtains or seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash.
The short circuit may also affect the function of other systems that use data from the restraints control module, including stability control. In these cases, the corresponding warning lights would also come on.
Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the problem and dealers will replace the restraints control module at no cost to the customer.
Affected vehicles include certain 2013-2014 C-MAX vehicles built at the Michigan Assembly Plant, Jan. 19, 2012, to Nov. 21, 2013; certain 2013-2014 Fusion vehicles built at the Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Feb. 3, 2012, to Aug. 24, 2013; certain 2013-2014 Escape vehicles built at the Louisville Assembly Plant, Oct. 5, 2011, to Nov. 1, 2013, and certain 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at the Hermosillo Assembly Plant, April 25, 2012, to Sept. 30, 2013
This is the 12th recall for the Escape.
More Industry

Ownership Priorities are Shifting
A new survey shows that in the U.S. vehicle quality for generation Z is largely defined by advanced safety features, intuitive technology and premium sound systems.
Read More →
Pump Price Jump Calculated
ISeeCars.com examined fuel costs for different power trains, finding which ones have experienced the biggest hits since the war in Iran commenced.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Wholesale values fell last week despite the spring season still being in the traditional full-gear mode, analysts said.
Read More →
Arkansas Auto Group Acquires First Indiana Rooftop
Performance Brokerage Services represented both the buyer and seller in the sale of Carver Toyota of Columbus by Carlock Automotive Group.
Read More →
Stellantis to Dive Into U.S. Lending
The multinational maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and multiple other brands received conditional approvals for a Utah-based industrial bank.
Read More →
New-Vehicle Prices Rise
With April sales down, higher prices on in-demand large vehicles helped inflate the overall ATP, though increases were under long-term averages, Cox Automotive reported.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Last week in the wholesale automotive market proved to be a mixed bag, analysts reported.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Conversion rates were flat last week at 63%, Black Book analysts calculated, as low-mileage and almost-near units outpaced the overall market.
Read More →
EU Auto Association Urges Action
Trade relations between the European Union and the U.S. are at risk, causing the European Automobile Manufacturers Association to push lawmakers to make a decision.
Read More →
Driving into the Super CFC Era
Understanding the risks and benefits of retail accounting and Super CFCs can help you better present options to your dealer partners.
Read More →