Potential Rollaway Issue Force Ford to Recall Over 500,000 Escapes, Fusions

Ford is recalling approximately 550,000 model-year 2013-2014 Escape and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles. According to the company, the vehicles automatic transmission may not actually be in “Park”, even if the shirt indicator says that it is.

The issue stems from the shifter cable bushing, which is connected to the transmission allows the transmission to be in a different gear than it should be, causing a potential rollaway. The bushing needs to be replaced in order to fix the problem.

According to Ford’s recall notice, “On affected vehicles, the bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may detach from the transmission. The condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to ‘Park’ and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in ‘Park,’ with no warning message or audible chime.”

Although Ford hasn’t reported any injuries or accidents related to the issue, the National Safety Highway Traffic Administration has received numerous complaints, including from at least 16 Fusion owners and seven Escape owners. Three owners have reported injuries.

The Administration has not opened a formal investigation into the matter.

If you have received the recall notice, or own a Fusion or Escape in the model-year listed above, you should visit a Ford dealer as soon as possible. Ford will have the bushing replaced at no charge. In the meantime, Ford recommends using the parking brake as an extra precaution.

If you believe your vehicle has an open recall, you may check NHTSA’s website. When directed, plug in your vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number into the NHTSA website. If your number does not appear, your vehicle does not have any open recalls.

If you or a family member has been involved in a serious Texas car accident and you suspect an auto defect or simply do not know the cause, please contact us today at The Callahan Law Firm in Houston, TX.