The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is conducting investigations into claims of brake failure in two Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) models, namely Fusion and Mercury Milan, which were manufactured between 2007 and 2009. Three crashes have so far been attributed to the suspected brake problem according to the Office of Defects Investigation unit of the NHTSA.
ABS hydraulic control unit
In all, there were 141 reports of the brake problem that the NHTSA received. The reports all suggest that the problem lies with the hydraulic control unit of the anti-lock braking system. Some of the reports claimed that the problem was especially noticeable on surfaces that were rough, uneven or slippery. Drivers also reported that they were in some instances required to apply extra pressure in order for the brakes to work.
“In some cases the driver is unable to stop within their desired stopping distance. Complainants have also reported going past the expected stopping points for stop signs or red lights… ” said the NHTSA regarding the investigation which was started on December 20, 2016.
NHTSA’s view is that an internal malfunction is causing the anti-lock braking system to fail as a result of an inability to maintain the necessary braking pressure.
While some reports claim that the brakes self-correct after some time, others indicate that it is a recurring problem. There are also some reports which say that the problem ceased after the ABS hydraulic control unit was replaced.
Airbag recall and defective fuel tanks
The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan from the mentioned years have been recalled in the past. This is in the airbag recall that is affecting models manufactured between 2006 and 2011. However, this is not restricted to Ford as over a dozen car manufacturers have been affected.
Aside from the airbag recall, the 2010 and the 2011 models of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan were also found to have defective fuel tanks which were susceptible to cracking and were consequently recalled. The Mercury Milan is no longer in production.
Shares of Ford Motor Company fell by 0.52% in Tuesday’s trading session to close the day at $12.39.
