Ford Motor Co. is recalling an estimated 1.4 million Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles in North America because the steering wheel is at risk of detaching from the steering column.
The Dearborn automaker said it was aware of two accidents, including one that resulted in injury, that was caused by the issue, according to the Associated Press.
“In affected vehicles, the steering wheel bolt may not maintain torque, allowing the bolt to loosen over time, and if not serviced, a steering wheel could potentially detach and lead to a loss of steering control and increased risk of a crash,” the company said in a recall notice.
The affected vehicles, according to the Detroit News, include:
- 2014-17 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant from Aug. 6, 2013 to Feb. 29, 2016
- 2014-18 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant from July 25, 2013 to March 5, 2018
- 2014-18 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant from July 25, 2013 to March 5, 2018
The recall involves 1,301,986 cars in the U.S., 62,479 in Canada, and 14,172 in Mexico.
The automaker’s dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt “with a longer bolt with more robust thread engagement and larger nylon patch placed properly for proper torque retention” for free, reports the Detroit News.
Go get the recalls on your car fixed.