Following a recall of 115,000 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs over faulty rear brake linings in December, Ford (F) has now issued a recall for nearly 200,000 vehicles that may have a brake light malfunction that could cause the lights to stay on unintentionally.
The recall affects certain Ford 2014 to 2015 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, and 2014 to 2015 Lincoln MKZ models.
According to the automaker, the brake light issue stems from certain environmental conditions such as high temperatures, high humidity, and salt air, which could cause the brake pedal bumper to disintegrate and separate from the brake pedal.
If the brake pedal bumper separates, it may cause the brake lights to stay illuminated, which can confuse other drivers on the road and increase the potential for a crash.
In other instances, automatic transmission vehicles that are missing the brake pedal bumper could allow the driver to shift out of the “park” position without pressing the brake, which could cause a car to roll away, resulting in a possible injury.
As a result, Ford has recalled all affected Fusions, Mustangs, and Lincoln MKZs ever sold or registered in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Hawaii, where these environmental conditions may have existed.
To repair the brake light problem, Ford dealers will replace the brake pedal bumpers and clutch pedal bumpers at no charge to the vehicle owners.
Fusion, Mustang, and Lincoln MKZ owners are expected to be notified of the recall by mail starting on March 3, Ford said.
Questions about the recall can be directed to Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
As of Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET, shares of Ford were trading at $22.63, down $1.75 or 7.20%.
Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally (L) is pictured with anchor Robin Roberts during an unveiling its all new 2015 Ford Mustang on ABC's Good Morning America in New York. Photo: Reuters
