The Fusion is being recalled again as part of a 465,000-unit programme for 2013 Ford models to check for fuel tank leaks that could cause a fire.
The automaker told Reuters it won’t have enough replacement parts for all owners until September.
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Other models being called back to dealers include the Flex, Explorer, Taurus, [police] Interceptor Sedan and Interceptor Utility, as well as the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, MKS and MKT.
Ford said a fuel delivery module in the tank could leak and that it had received 600 consumer complaints by 31 March.
A Ford statement cited by Reuters said: “While a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, there have been no reports of fires (and) we are not aware of any accidents or injuries attributed to this condition.”
The recall involves 420,000 vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico and the rest exported outside NAFTA.
The Fusion, not to be confused with a now-obsolete, smaller Ford Europe model of the same name, was redesigned last autumn and is one of the automaker’s best-selling models, but has been the subject of several recalls since launch.
About 80,000 2013 Fusions were recalled in December to check for engine leaks that could result in a fire. Another 19,000 Fusions were recalled in November to correct problems with the lighting system.
Ford also told Reuters a small number of 2013 Fusions was being recalled to fix steering gears that lack an internal retaining clip, thus increasing the risk of a crash.
A separate recall was announced for about 500 2013 Lincoln MKZ sedans with engine block heaters. The cords on the heaters could crack and expose the wiring.
While engine block heater cords on the MKZ and steering gears on the Fusion are being replaced free at dealers this month, Ford said it has only a limited supply of new fuel delivery modules so some owners won’t be notified about replacement parts until September.
