Ford Recalls Fusion, Lincoln MKZ for Seat Belts
The recall covers nearly 603,000 vehicles in the 2013 to 2016 model years.

Image of Ford Fusion courtesy of Ford.

Image of Ford Fusion courtesy of Ford.
Ford Motor Co. is recalling 602,739 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles in the U.S. so dealers can address a problem involving seat belt anchor pretensioners, the automaker said.
The Ford Fusion cars are in the 2013-2016 model years, while the Lincoln MKZ cars are in the 2013-2015 model years. They were built at the Hermosillo and Flat Rock assembly plants.
In these vehicles, higher temperatures generated during deployment of the seat belt anchor pretensioner might cause the pretensioner cables to separate. As a result, occupants may not be adequately restrained during a crash.
To remedy the problem, dealers will insulate the front driver and passenger seat belt anchor pretensioners to prevent cable separation in a crash, Ford said in a released statement about the recall. A conformal coating will be injected into the seat belt anchor pretensioners to protect the cables from the extra heat. There will be no charge for this service.
Ford noted it is aware of two accidents and two injuries associated with this issue.
In addition to the vehicles recalled in the U.S., Ford is recalling 35,614 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars in Canada, 8,665 in Mexico, and 653 in federalized territories to fix the same problem. Ford’s reference number for this recall is 16S42.
In related news, Ford is also recalling 25 2017-model year Ford Fusion vehicles in the U.S. to replace the second-row left-rear seat back frame because it may have been built with improperly welded pivot pins. In these cars, the seat backs may not adequately retain cargo in a crash, increasing the risk of injury, Ford said. However, the company isn’t aware of any related accidents or injuries.
Ford is also recalling two Fusion cars in Canada for the same problem.
Dealers will resolve the issue by replacing the second-row left-rear seat back frame at no cost to the customer. Ford’s number for this recall is 16S43.
More Safety

Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
IIHS Crash Avoidance Tests Reveal Safety Gaps in Cargo Vans and Work Trucks
New IIHS crash avoidance ratings show uneven performance among cargo vans and heavy-duty pickups, with most struggling to avoid vehicle-to-vehicle collisions.
Read More →
What’s Next for Fleet? Safety, AI & Industry Recognition | AF News Recap
Could your company's culture be encouraging distracted driving? This week, we're exploring how workplace expectations affect driver safety, what AI, EVs, and autonomous vehicles could mean for the future of fleet management, and how fleet professionals can strengthen their award nominations.
Read More →
Does Your Fleet's Culture Encourage Distracted Driving?
What happens when the people responsible for enforcing safety rules are the ones setting the wrong example? The answer may reveal why some of the biggest risks to fleet drivers have little to do with what's written in the employee handbook.
Read More →
Fleet Manager’s Ultimate Playbook: Navigating the New Standard in OEM Connectivity
Rising operating costs, driver safety concerns, and unplanned downtime are putting unprecedented pressure on modern fleets. Discover how fleet managers use embedded OEM connectivity and real-time vehicle data to cut TCO, prevent downtime, and protect drivers without aftermarket telematics hardware.
Read More →
From Driver Well-Being to EV Charging | AF News Recap
Mental health belongs in the fleet safety conversation. This week, we’re looking at five ways fleets can support employee well-being before a crisis, plus Holman’s expansion in Mexico, new one-day Fleet Forward passes, and why EV charging demand is outpacing infrastructure growth.
Read More →
Nexar-Nauto Merger Aims to Give Fleets Better Safety Intelligence Through Larger Driving Dataset
Stefan Heck tells Automotive Fleet that combining more than 10 billion miles of driving history with Nexar's AI models will give fleets deeper insights into driver risk and roadway conditions than either company could provide independently.
Read More →
Don't Wait for a Crisis: 5 Ways to Build Mental Health Into Your Fleet Safety Program
For Suicide Prevention Month, fleet and safety leaders have an opportunity to put mental health where it belongs: at the center of workplace safety.
Read More →
How Camera Data Can Strengthen a Fleet’s Insurance Renewal
Insights from a commercial insurance carrier and a broker show how fleets can turn video telematic data, driver coaching, and improved claims results into a stronger case at insurance renewal.
Read More →
The Safest Fleets Aren’t the Ones with the Most Technology
You’ve made the telematics investment. Here’s how to capture the other half of its value and build the safest fleet on the road.
Read More →