— Ford is recalling about 550,000 Fusion cars and Escape SUVs capable of rolling away because of detached gear shifter cable bushings.
The 2013-2016 Ford Fusions and 2013-2014 Ford Escapes could fool drivers into believing the vehicles are in PARK when they aren't.
Ford says the bushing is used to attach the shifter cable to the transmission, but once detached the gear selector can show one thing while the transmission is in another thing.
Ford says it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the detached bushings, but owners have complained about moving the shifters to PARK only to learn the transmissions were in another gear state.
A 2013 Ford Fusion driver told CarComplaints.com she was stuck without a car because the dealer wanted $600 to repair the broken shifter cable. The owner said the extended warranty didn't cover the cost because the busted cable was allegedly caused by normal wear and tear.
"My ford fusion is a 2013 which means its ONLY three years old and the gear shift cable broke, when i went to put my car in park the transmission was automatically switched to reverse. i luckily noticed my car wasn't in park before I was about to step out the car or i could have been ran over!"
A driver will receive no warning messages or chimes that the transmission isn't in PARK even if the shifter is moved to PARK and the ignition key is removed.
About 504,182 of the recalled Escapes and Fusions are in the U.S., another 36,887 are in Canada and more than 8,330 are recalled in Mexico.
The cars and SUVs were built at these locations during the following dates:
- 2014 Ford Fusion: Flat Rock Assembly Plant between June 18, 2013, and September 15, 2013
- 2014-16 Ford Fusion: Flat Rock Assembly Plant between June 2, 2014, and August 31, 2015
- 2013-14 Ford Fusion: Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant between May 15, 2013, and September 15, 2013
- 2014-16 Ford Fusion: Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant between June 2, 2014, and August 31, 2015
- 2013-14 Ford Escape: Louisville Assembly Plant between May 15, 2013, and September 15, 2013
Ford dealers will replace the shifter cable bushings, but the automaker warns owners to use their parking brakes until dealers make the repairs. The recall is expected to begin July 30, 2018.
Ford Escape and Fusion owners with questions should call 866-436-7332 and ask about recall number 18S20.
CarComplaints.com has complaints you can read from Escape and Fusion drivers:
- Ford Escape - 2013 / 2014 / All model years
- Ford Fusion - 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 / All model years