RecallNotify
Sign up Check my VIN
Home/ Recalls/ Ford/ 14V597
Campaign 14V597 Posted September 26, 2014 746,842 units

2013-2014 Ford Escape/Fusion Recall 14V597: RCM Short

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 1, 2026

Ford is recalling 746,842 2013-2014 Escape, Fusion, Mkz, and C-Max vehicles for RCM shorts affecting airbags and seat belts. Repair is free.

Ford is recalling 746,842 2013-2014 Escape, Fusion, Mkz, and C-Max vehicles under recall 14V597 because coating on the Restraint Control Module can crack and expose circuits to humidity. A short circuit can keep air bags and seat belt pretensioners from working as intended in a crash; the dealer repair will be free once available.

Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?

The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.

Check my VIN at NHTSA

RecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.

What's wrong?

The restraint control module, or RCM, is the control unit for key crash-protection systems in the 2013-2014 Escape, Fusion, Mkz, and C-Max. It reads crash sensor information and helps command air bags and seat belt functions during a crash. The module depends on a protected printed circuit board, which is the flat electronic board that carries signals between its circuits.

On affected vehicles, the coating on portions of the RCM circuit board can crack. That coating is supposed to shield the board from moisture. If humidity reaches the exposed area, circuits on the board can short, which means electrical current travels where it should not. Those shorts affect the module that controls air bag and seat belt operation.

There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not count on a dashboard message or a change in how the vehicle drives to reveal this problem.

Who's affected?

Includes Escape, Fusion, Mkz, and C-Max vehicles from the 2013 and 2014 model years, with seat belt, side air bag, and air bag system components listed for each model.

2014 Ford Escape seat belt
2014 Ford Escape side air bag
2014 Ford Escape air bag system
2013 Ford Escape seat belt
2013 Ford Escape side air bag
Units affected746,842

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 short circuit can keep the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags, and seat belt pretensioners from working as intended when needed. That raises injury risk in a crash, so confirm your VIN and arrange dealer service when the repair opens. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Ford Escape, Ford Fusion, Lincoln Mkz, or Ford C-Max is included in this recall.
  2. Watch for Ford owner-letter or dealer guidance before scheduling, since this recall record does not show an available remedy status.
  3. Contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask about the free Restraint Control Module replacement that fixes the air bag and seat belt pretensioner circuit risk.
  4. Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V597 when you call.
  5. Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, since the air bags and seat belt pretensioners are the affected safety systems.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the Restraint Control Module, the air bag control unit affected by cracked coating and humidity related circuit shorts. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Because Ford identifies parts as not available for this remedy, ask the Ford dealer when the RCM replacement is open for your VIN before planning the visit. The final dealer repair will be free once parts are available.

Timeline

September 26, 2014 NHTSA published the recall
May 26, 2015 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 14V597?

Recall 14V597 covers 746,842 2013-2014 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mkz, and C-Max vehicles with a restraint control module coating that can crack. Humidity can short the circuit board, stopping air bags and seat belt pretensioners from working as intended in a crash.

What should I do if my 2013-2014 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mkz, or C-Max is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 14V597. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for the restraint control module replacement. Reference Ford recall number 14S21 when you call. The repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will replace the restraint control module free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Ford dealer.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is that the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags, and seat belt pretensioners can fail to work as intended during a crash. That increases the risk of occupant injury. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair.

What if I bought this vehicle used?

The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your exact Escape, Fusion, Mkz, or C-Max is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer with recall number 14V597 or Ford recall number 14S21.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V597000
Ford customer service1-866-436-7332
NHTSA recall #14V597
NHTSA recall # (full)14V597000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →