Ford has announced it is recalling 850,050 2013-2014 C-MAX, Fusion, Escape and Lincoln MKZ vehicles in North America for a “potential issue” with the restraints control module.

The automaker says that in the affected vehicles, the restraints control module “may experience a short circuit,” in which case the airbag warning indicator will illuminate. Depending on where it occurs, a short circuit may prevent the deployable restraint systems (airbags, pretensioners, side curtains) from functioning as intended in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

According to Ford, the short circuit may also affect the function of other systems that use data from the restraints control module, including stability control. If that happens, the corresponding warning indicator lamps would also illuminate. Of the 850,050 recalled vehicles, approximately 746,842 are in the United States and federalized territories, 82,962 in Canada and 20,246 in Mexico.

The recall includes certain 2013-2014 C-MAX MPVs built at Michigan Assembly Plant from January 19, 2012 to November 21, 2013; certain 2013-2014 Fusion sedans built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant from February 3, 2012 to August 24, 2013; certain 2013-2014 Escape SUVs built at Louisville Assembly Plant from October 5, 2011 to November 1, 2013 and certain 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ sedans built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant from April 25, 2012 to September 30, 2013.

Ford said that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this problem and it will replace the restraints control module at no cost to customers.

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