June 15, 2022
Detroit – Ford recalls 2.9M vehicles for inability to shift into gear, risking crash. The latest recall affects certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Each vehicle model affected is listed separately on the regulatory site, totaling 2,925,968 vehicles. The agency acknowledged the automaker’s June 10 report to safety regulators in a letter dated Tuesday.
Ford said in its filing that the company is aware of six reports alleging property damage and four reports alleging injury, related to this concern.
“A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction.
A Ford spokesman did not respond Wednesday to a call, emails or texts seeking comment.
In the filing, Ford said its dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge.
Ford said it plans to mail letters June 27 to approximately:
- 1,726,763 Escape owners
- 143,220 C-Max owners
- 439,483, Fusion owners
- 107,102 Transit Connect owners
- 509,400 Edge owners
“Root cause is unknown,” the automaker said in the letter. “Based on Ford’s root cause investigation, heat and humidity have the potential to contribute to the hydrological breakdown of the bushing material.”
Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the ‘Park’ position,” the government website says.
