Ford Issues Recall on Select Models

February 08, 2010

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DEARBORN, Mich. — In what the automaker has called a proactive measure to fix a "brake-feel" issue, Ford announced late last week that it has issued a recall to update the software of the regenerative brake systems on some 2010 model-year Fusion Hybrids and Mercury Milan Hybrids.

"We have received reports that some drivers have experienced a different brake feel when the hybrid's unique regenerative brakes switch to conventional hydraulic braking," Ford officials said. "While the vehicles maintain full braking capability, customers may initially perceive the condition as loss of brakes."

Officials added: "To be clear, the Fusion and Milan Hybrids' brake system maintains full conventional brakes and full ABS function even as the customer sees visual indicators and hears a chime. The software threshold to transition from regenerative brakes to conventional brakes can cause the system to transition to conventional brakes unnecessarily."

Basically, the improved software is designed to cut down on the vehicles switching to conventional hydraulic brakes from regenerative brakes unnecessarily.

Ford said it is notifying customers of these affected models via mail, and is asking them to have their software reprogrammed at a dealership for no charge.

The automaker emphasized that there have been no reported injuries relating to this condition.