NHTSA opens probe into 1.7 million Ford, Lincoln vehicles for alleged front brake defect

WASHINGTON — U.S. car safety regulators have opened a protection probe into much more than 1.7 million Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ midsize sedans following stories alleging front brake hose failures.

NHTSA’s Office environment of Flaws Investigation reported it had obtained 50 issues alleging such failures on Fusion and MKZ autos from the 2013-18 design several years and was knowledgeable of one particular crash allegedly similar to the challenge.

Many of the problems claim “the brake hoses are rupturing, leaking brake fluid and developing with little to no warning,” in accordance to a report introduced Friday.

Front brake hose ruptures and leaking brake fluid can consequence in improved halting distances, the company reported.

Ford Motor Co. did not immediately react to a request for comment.

In August 2020, Ford recalled extra than 488,000 2015-18 Ford Edge and 2016-18 Lincoln MKX motor vehicles simply because the entrance brake hoses on the midsize crossovers may perhaps rupture prematurely.

The agency has released the investigation — acknowledged as a “remember question” — for further more evaluation and to identify no matter if extra motor vehicles must be recalled.

With a protection probe, the agency will evaluate the scope and severity of the potential defect and other achievable basic safety-relevant troubles.

Most NHTSA investigations commence as preliminary evaluations, in which agency engineers ask for info from the maker, which include details on problems, injuries and warranty statements. The manufacturer also can present its view concerning the alleged defect and may possibly issue a remember.

Soon after the evaluation, NHTSA will either near the investigation or shift into the future section. If a protection-linked defect exists, in accordance to NHTSA, the company could send out a “recall ask for” letter to the maker.