Ford says a programming problem in the instrument cluster means that the key can be removed 30 minutes after the ignition is turned off, even if the transmission is not in Park. The situation where this could happen seems quite limited, and the company is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue. However, the fault puts the vehicle out of compliance with federal regulations covering theft protection and rollaways, and must be repaired.
The fix is easy: Ford will reprogram the instrument cluster at no cost to consumers. According to Ford spokesperson Kelli Felker in an email to Autoblog, “We will notify customers the week of January 5th.” Scroll down to read Ford’s announcement.
Ford is issuing a safety compliance recall for approximately 65,000 Fusion vehicles in North America for a programming issue in the instrument cluster. This issue allows the key to be removed 30 minutes after the ignition is turned off, even if the transmission is not in Park. This is a compliance issue with FMVSS 114, a regulation involving theft protection and rollaway prevention.
Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.
Affected vehicles include certain 2014-2015 Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Sept. 4, 2013 to Oct. 31, 2014; certain 2014-2015 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, July 27, 2013 to Oct. 31, 2014; certain 2015 Fusion Energi vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, July 14, 2014 to Oct. 31, 2014; and certain 2015 Fusion Hybrid vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Feb. 24, 2014 to Oct. 31, 2014.
Ford is aware of 56,479 vehicles in the United States and federalized territories, 6,048 in Canada and 2,342 in Mexico. (These totals are as of Nov. 11, 2014.)
Dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster at no cost to the customer.
