From parking brake problems to engine coolant malfunctions to issues with the air bags, there are a host of problems that can necessitate a massive car model safety recall, and every year, a number of major car companies have to issue recalls for one reason or another.
On Wednesday, July 18, Ford became the most recent company to go the recall route after they called back exactly 549,401 Escapes and Fusions in North America due to gearshift issues that could cause vehicles to roll away.
According to Ford, the following vehicles were affected by the Ford Fusion and Ford Escape recall:
- 2014 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant between June 18, 2013 and Sept. 15, 2013
- 2014-16 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant between June 2, 2014 and Aug. 31, 2015
- 2013-14 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant between May 15, 2013 and Sept. 15, 2013
- 2014-16 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly Plant between June 2, 2014 and Aug. 31, 2015
- 2013-14 Ford Escape vehicles built at Louisville Assembly Plant between May 15, 2013 and Sept. 15, 2013
Read More: Ford tells owners to stop driving this popular pickup because it's dangerous
As Ford explained in an official release, the cause behind affected vehicles simply rolling away is tied to an issue with the transmission where the car's shifter cable bushing, which holds the cable in place, could potentially detach. This could lead to a dangerous scenario where the car could be in a different gear than the driver thinks it is. For example, the car might look like it's in Park, when it's actually in Neutral. Hence, the rollaway risk.
No accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of the apparent defect, but this does bring to mind the nearly 1.4 million Ford vehicles that were recalled back in March due to loose steering wheels, which resulted in at least two accidents and one injury.
Looks like Ford needs to start "shifting gears" fast, or customers will start "rolling away" in droves.
Watch: This Dangerous Defect Sent at Least 1 Ford Explorer Owner to the ER