Fusion is aimed at the heart of the family car market long dominated by the Japanese Three – Toyota, Nissan and Honda – all of whom historically provide a lower overall cost of ownership and higher quality. Multiple Fusion recalls are not helpful.
Ford Motor Company is recalling 465,000 2013 model-year vehicles because of fuel leaks. These include Ford’s most popular vehicles – the Ford Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Interceptor Utility, Interceptor Sedan, and Lincoln MKS, MKT and MKZ. The latest Ford safety defect has customers smelling fuel or spotting a fuel leak on the ground. There have been no reports of fires or any accidents or injuries thus far attributed to the latest quality gaff that has seen multiple recalls from Ford on its best-selling Fusion model.
In a statement provided at AutoInformed’s request, a Ford spokesperson said that it first became aware of the fuel leaks because of warranty data – more than 600 consumer complaints – but declined to name the supplier – which is Denso – of the defective module in the fuel tank. Unlike more proactive companies, Ford Motor does not publicize its recalls; a practice that critics maintain inhibits the quick resolution of safety issues.
Ford said there are a limited number of parts available for repair of the leaking vehicles. Other owners will eventually receive a letter when parts are available so they can contact their dealer to schedule a service appointment for the warranty repair.
