Recall 14V164 covers 43,135 2013-2014 Escape, Mkz, C-Max, and Fusion vehicles with weak front seatback welds. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 43,135 2013-2014 Escape, Fusion, C-Max, and Lincoln Mkz vehicles because weld joints in the front seatback assemblies were below standard. The seatback can loosen or lean while driving, raising injury risk in certain crashes, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The front seatback recliner in the 2013-2014 Escape, Mkz, C-Max, and Fusion is the hinge and locking mechanism that lets the seatback tilt and then hold its position. Weld joints attach that recliner mechanism to the seat frame, so the seatback depends on those welds to stay secure when load is placed on it.
On affected vehicles, the driver and passenger seatback assemblies were built with sub-standard weld joints at that attachment point. Those welds do not provide the strength Ford designed into the seat frame. That means the affected seatbacks have insufficient strength to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 207 for seating systems.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to hear, feel, or see a clear symptom before the seatback fails to hold as designed.
Who's affected?
Covers Escape, Mkz, C-Max, and Fusion across the 2013 and 2014 model years, all tied to the same seat assembly issue.
| 2013 Ford Escape | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2014 Ford Escape | seat assembly |
| 2013 Lincoln Mkz | seat assembly |
| 2014 Lincoln Mkz | seat assembly |
| 2013 Ford C-Max | seat assembly |
| 2013 Ford Fusion | seat assembly |
| 2014 Ford Fusion | seat assembly |
| 2014 Ford C-Max | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 43,135 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A loose or leaning seatback can leave the occupant less supported and increase the risk of injury in certain crashes. If the seatback moves or feels unstable, avoid that seating position and arrange service. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Ford Escape, Mkz, C-Max, or Fusion is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free seatback replacement that fixes the weak welds in the front-seat recliner assemblies.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one, or reference recall number 14V164 when you call.
- Call Ford at 1-800-392-3673 with questions and ask for recall 14C03.
- Avoid using a seat that feels loose or leans while driving until the dealer repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Ford's filed remedy says the dealer repair is a seatback replacement. At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the affected driver or passenger seatback assembly so the recliner mechanism is attached to a seat frame with proper strength. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. The remedy says the recall began on May 30, 2014, and identifies Ford recall number 14C03.
Timeline
| April 2, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 30, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V164?
Recall 14V164 covers 43,135 2013-2014 Ford Escape, Mkz, C-Max, and Fusion vehicles with front seatback recliner weld joints that fail to meet seat-strength requirements. The seat backs can become loose or lean while driving, increasing injury risk in certain crashes. Ford dealers replace the seatback for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2014 Ford Escape, Mkz, C-Max, or Fusion is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 14V164. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free seatback replacement. Reference Ford recall number 14C03 when you call the service desk.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford dealers replace the affected seatback free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk from this seat recall?
The safety risk is that an affected front seatback can become loose or lean while driving. In certain crashes, that loss of seatback strength increases the risk of injury. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Ford dealer repair.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. If you bought a used 2013-2014 Ford Escape, Mkz, C-Max, or Fusion and never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 14V164 with the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V164000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-800-392-3673 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V164 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V164000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →