Ford Recalls 850K Vehicles for Air Bag Issue
The recall impacts 2013-2014 model-year Ford C-MAX, Fusion, Escape and Lincoln MKZ vehicles in North America.
Photo of Ford Fusion courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
Photo of Ford Fusion courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
Ford Motor Co. is recalling 850,050 2013-2014 model-year Ford C-MAX, Fusion, Escape and Lincoln MKZ vehicles in North America for a potential problem with the restraints control module, the manufacturer said.
In these vehicles, the restraints control module may experience a short circuit and illuminate the air bag warning indicator. Depending on the location of the short circuit, the deployable restraint systems – airbags, pretensioners and side curtains – may not function properly in the event of a crash.
The short circuit may also affect other systems that use data from the restraints control module, including stability control. If this occurs, the corresponding warning indicator lamps for those functions would also illuminate.
Ford noted it is not aware of any accidents or injuries linked to this condition.
Dealers will replace the restraints control module, free of charge.
The recall includes certain 2013-2014 C-MAX vehicles built at Michigan Assembly Plant from Jan. 19, 2012 to Nov. 21, 2013; 2013-2014 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant from Feb. 3, 2012 to Aug. 24, 2013; 2013-2014 Escape vehicles built at Louisville Assembly Plant from Oct. 5, 2011 to Nov. 1, 2013; and 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant from April 25, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2013.
Ford said 746,842 of the vehicles are in the U.S. and federalized territories. Additionally, 82,962 are in Canada and 20,246 are in Mexico.
More Safety
NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.
Read More →
The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
How Coca-Cola United Protects Its Fleet from Growing Legal Risk
As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.
Read More →
How to Speak the Same Language on Fleet Safety
Drivers, supervisors, and data often speak different safety “languages.” Getting on the same page will drive better results.
Read More →
Fleet Cybersecurity 101: What You Need from Your Technology Vendors
From identity management to third-party certifications, the right technology partner should make security easier to manage. Here are the three building blocks that fleet managers need to stay in control as connected systems scale.
Read More →
Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 2
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
Data Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities After a Crash
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
From Distraction to Detection: Strengthening Awareness in Fleet Drivers
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →