Ford Recalls 550K Escape, Fusion Models for Rollaway Risk

Select Ford SUV and car models have faulty cable bushings that can come detached, increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford has issued a recall in North America for over a half-million select Fusion sedan and Escape SUV models that could potentially roll away due to faulty shifter cable bushings. On the affected vehicles, the bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission could come detached from the transmission. This situation can allow the transmission to be in a gear different from the one selected by the driver.

This means the driver could put the vehicle in park and remove the ignition key, even though the vehicle is not actually in park. In this scenario, the typical warning message or audible chime will not display or sound. This could result in unintended vehicle movement, would could lead to a crash or injury. However, the automaker isn’t aware of any injuries or accidents caused by this issue at this time.

The vehicles covered by the recall include:

• 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

Dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing free of charge. In the meantime, the automaker is asking owners of the affected models to use their parking brake, which will help negate any rollaway risk. If you own a 2013-2016 Fusion or 2013-2014 Escape, you can head over here to check and see if it’s affected.

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.