2013 Ford Fusion Energi

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Some VOQs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other VOQs alleged a similar failure in vehicles not previously recalled. A latch with a fractured pawl spring tab typically results in a ?door will not close? condition, however in certain somewhat rare circumstances, may result in the door coming open while driving. In response to ODI?s investigation, Ford has announced three field actions, as discussed below.On March 23, 2020, Ford submitted Safety Recall 20V-177 (Ford 20S15), a regional recall campaign to address door latch failures in vehicles not previously recalled under Safety Recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 and 17V-210. The recall affects vehicles currently or ever registered in certain high ambient temperature states (see 20V-177 for affected states). As a remedy, Ford will replace all four door latches free of charge.On August 24, 2020, Ford issued a non-safety regional field action (Ford 20R01) to address door latch failures on the same model/MY vehicles not covered under 20V-177 (i.e., not currently/ever registered in affected states). According to Ford, spring tab failure rates for vehicles covered by this action are about half that of the 20V-177 vehicles. Under this action, dealers will replace all door latches, free of charge, if either; a) the vehicle exhibits a related latch concern, or b) if the vehicle owner expresses a concern about the latches in their vehicles. Details can be found under NHTSA TSB No. 10190990, a copy of which is available in this investigative file available at NHTSA.gov.On June 8, 2020, Ford submitted Safety Recall 20V-331 (Ford 20S30) addressing vehicles previously remedied under NHTSA Recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 and 17V-210, where the repair may not have been properly completed, specifically not all of the door latches were replaced, or replaced correctly. This recall involves an inspection of the latches, with the option for a consumer self-inspection; owners could view the date codes on their latches (and confirm child safety locks are present on the rear doors) and then submit the information to Ford?s mobile app or website. A dealership inspection option was also available. Any vehicle found to have unreplaced defective latches requires the replacement of all door latches as directed by Ford.Regarding the 4,494 reports cited above, 1,485 involve scope-related failures (with 13% alleging door opening), and the remaining 3,009 reports involving remedy concerns (with 18% alleging door opening - note ODI was unable to verify the allegations of door opening). The three ODI injuries were all relatively minor. Ford?s reported injury incidences include one (unconfirmed) report of an ejection, three minor injuries with the others involving undisclosed injuries. Ford?s crashes involved two (unconfirmed) crashes alleging the incident door contacted another vehicle and three involving doors striking other property.The recalled vehicles include MY 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta, 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015 Ford Mustang and Lincoln MKC, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2012-2015 Ford Focus and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect.Ford's actions address ODI's concerns at this time. ODI will take further action if warranted by new information. The reference (OD

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford Fiesta, MY 2013 Ford Fusion and MY 2013 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. All of the affected vehicles share the same door latch design.ODI has received 281 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with over 100 claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion. There were no crashes reported however three separate injuries were indicated, all caused by a rebounding door striking a consumer after they attempted to close it. In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 1,102 unique reports related to the alleged problem. There were no injury claims but there were two claims of low speed accidents occurring involving the door opening while driving and damaging property. Ford also submitted 10,883 warranty claims related to door latch failures.Many customers indicated that the door would not latch at all and accordingly they decided to restrain the door by other means (looping the seatbelt through the door, or using rope or tape) in order to drive the vehicle.Some customers also reported multiple door latch failures occurring on the same vehicle on different doors occurring months apart.On April 23rd, 2015 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (15V-246) to remedy door latches failures on certain MY 2011-2014 Ford Fiesta and MY 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles.According to Ford, the pawl spring tab located within the door latch can break off, or separate and result in a ?door will not close condition.The recalled vehicles include Fiesta vehiclesmanufactured from the start of the MY 2011 to May 2013 and Fusion and MKZ vehicles manufactured from the start of the MY 2013 year until May 2013.In May 2013 Ford reports that it made a manufacturing quality control change, specific to the spring tab, to improve the performance of the existing part.The door latch spring tab was redesigned and the new latch was phased into production in December 2014 with a new part number.Ford will replace all four door latches on the affected vehicles with the new latch design currently in production.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and attempting to turn to the right or left, the steering wheel became stiff, and difficult to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was unaware of what needed to be replaced or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11588702

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

Mileage

160,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to respond. While driving, the brake warning light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the circuit was open. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving, the brake lights illuminated. While making a left turn and slowing down, the became inoperable. The vehicle failed to move forward or backward. The contact called the towing company, who stated that the parking brake had seized. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 104,150.

NHTSA ID

11546435

Incident

Sep 21, 2023

Mileage

104,150 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD FUSION ENERGI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V592000 (EQUIPMENT). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CORD WAS SMOKING AND OVERHEATED WHILE PLUGGED INTO THE WALL OUTLET. THE CORD WAS REPLACED TWICE. SALINAS VALLEY FORD LINCOLN (1100 AUTO CENTER CIR, SALINAS, CA 93907, (831) 444-4444) WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE THE ORIGINAL PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11278529

Incident

Nov 1, 2018

Mileage

60,000 mi

I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO SPRADLEY FORD DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE REGARDING RECALLS 16S42 AND 18S24. THE DEALERSHIP REPORTS RESOLVING 16S42 BY SERVICING THE SEAT BELT TENSIONERS. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO ADDRESS RECALL 18S24 BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE THE CHARGING CABLE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I SPOKE WITH SERVICE STAFF ON 3 OCCASIONS PRIOR TO PICKING UP MY VEHICLE AND AT NO TIME DID THEY REQUEST OR INFORM ME TO BRING THE CABLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP MADE NO EFFORT TO REPLACE THE CORD, THERMISTOR OR TRUNK BATTERY HOUSING AS REQUIRED.

NHTSA ID

11217900

Incident

Jun 4, 2019

TPMS SYSTEM FAULT COMES UP SHORTLY AFTER KEY FOBS STOP WORKING TOOK VEHICLE TO A FOR DEALER FOR SERVICE ALL THEY CAN SAY IS THAT IS THE RTM MODULE BUT THEY CANT BE TO SURE ON WHAT IT IS SEEM LIKE THEY DONT KNOW WHATS GOING ON THIS HAS HAPPEN AT TWO FORD DEALERS ALREADY, RESEARCH WAS DONE AND IT SEEM THAT FORD HAD THIS ISSUE WITH LINCOLN MKX

NHTSA ID

11208854

Incident

May 20, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 FORD FUSION ENERGI. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, WHICH LEAD TO A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION, AND LATER DIED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

11204438

Incident

Apr 2, 2019

I HAVE ALREADY FILED A COMPLAINT , #11173709, I AM FILING AGAIN BECAUSE I WANTED TO ADD INFORMATION TO THE ORIGINAL COMPLAINT BUT COULD NOT FIND HOW TO DO THAT. THIS IS A 2013 MODEL YEAR CAR THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER IN MARCH 2015. THE CAR HAS BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR LESS THAN FOUR YEARS AND HAS ONLY 34750 MILES. THE STEERING ASSIST HAS FAILED, ALMOST CAUSING A FENDER BENDER IN A PARKING LOT. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS , IT SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT FORD HAS WITH SEVERAL CARS. THE COST FOR REPAIR HAS BEEN ESTIMATED AT 1800.00 PLUS TAX FROM OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER. ANOTHER CONCERN I HAVE IS THAT I BOUGHT TWO OF THESE CARS AT THE SAME TIME AND I AM NOW WAITING FOR THE SECOND CARS STEERING TO FAIL.

NHTSA ID

11174443

Incident

Feb 2, 2019

Mileage

34,750 mi

STEERING ASSIST FAILURE IT SEEMS THAT THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS AND RECALLS WITH THIS STEERING ISSUE HOWEVER THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM

NHTSA ID

11173709

Incident

Feb 2, 2019

Mileage

34,750 mi

For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using the correct VIN.

Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.

Some 2013-2016 Escape/Fusion/MKZ vehicles may display an error message when updating the All Wheel Drive-ATC Barcode using the IDS service function after installing a new rear drive unit assembly (RDU) or active torque coupling (ATC) clutch assembly. To prevent this error from occurring, enter the universal ATC 4 digit barcode 7772. Once programmed, perform several figure 8 turns at parking lot speeds to verify there is no binding from the all wheel drive (AWD) system. If the vehicle binds in a turn, perform Pinpoint Test A. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07A > Diagnosis and Testing.

Some 2013-2020 Fusion, MKZ and 2013-2018 C-Max vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission. The noise may be present in all gear ranges including neutral when the vehicle is moving but will not be present when the vehicle is stationary or in park.

Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.

Some 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2013-2018 Focus battery electric vehicle (BEV), 2013-2020 Fusion plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), 2015-2017 MKZ/MKZ Hybrid/MKC, 2016-2017 MKX and 2017 Continental vehicles equipped with 8 inch or larger center display screen may be unable to complete modem authorization after 3G to 4G modem upgrade was performed. No Authorization Pop-up will be displayed on the center display screen during the Authorization process. The vehicle may also not have proper functionality of remote app features such as remote start, return odometer, fuel information, or vehicle location incorrect in the app. This may be due to the SYNC software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to toggle Valet Mode.