By Michael Elkins
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association (NHTSA), Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is recalling around 1.3 million vehicles across the United States. The recall addresses leaky brake hoses that increase the possibility of a crash and applies to 2013-2018 model year Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs sedans. The automaker is also recalling nearly 220,000 F-150 pickups to fix defective windshield wiper arms.
The NHTSA report says that the rubber hoses that carry brake fluid in the vehicles could rupture prematurely, causing fluid to leak. In the event that this happens, drivers may experience an increase in pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the possibility of a crash.
Warning signs include 'a change in the feel and travel of the brake pedal' and the brake fluid indicator turning on.
According to Ford's estimates, out of all the vehicles that are part of the faulty brake hose recall, only 2% are detected with the defect. So far, Ford has registered only one case of a crash related to the issue with no mention of injuries.
Concurrently, Ford is also recalling its F-150 pickup trucks, launched in 2021, to inspect and, if necessary, replace faulty windshield wiper arms. A defective spline could result in failure of the windshield wiper motors. Ford has observed 576 cases of inoperative or detached windshield wiper arms and 9 complaints to NHTSA, but no crashes have resulted in any injuries.
Last November, Ford recalled nearly 450,000 F-150 Lightning trucks to fix a windshield wiper issue.
Shares of F are down 0.66% in mid-day trading on Monday.