Ford and its Lincoln luxury brand have recalled almost 1.3 million Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans from model years 2013-2018 because of a dangerous brake defect. Hybrid models are not affected.
The company tells the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the cars have front brake jounce hoses that could rupture.
Isn’t “jounce” a fun word? Maybe not when it means weaker-than-expected brakes. For the record, a brake jounce hose is an extremely short rubber hose used to connect a metal brake line to a brake caliper. Many manufacturers use metal brake lines for durability but need the flexible jounce hose to make that last few inches of connection.
Ford says the jounce hoses in Fusion and MKZ models may break before their expected lifespan ends. That creates a brake fluid leak. The brakes can still stop the car with a brake fluid leak, but the driver will have to press harder than usual on the brake pedal. Since you don’t know that until it happens, the sudden increased stopping distance can lead to an accident.
Ford says it is aware of “one report of an accident with no mention of injury related to this condition.”
The solution is simple. Dealers will replace the brake jounce hoses with a hose of a new, braided design expected to last longer.
Recall repairs are always free, but many of us miss recall notices every year and unknowingly drive recalled vehicles. Find out if your car needs any free safety repairs at our easy recall center.
