Recall 18V167 covers 1,301,986 2014-2018 Lincoln Mkz and Fusion vehicles for a loose steering wheel retaining bolt. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 1,301,986 2014-2018 Mkz and Fusion vehicles because the steering wheel retaining bolt can loosen and let the steering wheel detach while driving. A detached steering wheel can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk, and Lincoln dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering wheel retaining bolt on 2014-2018 Mkz and Fusion vehicles fastens the steering wheel to the steering shaft. That shaft is the metal column that carries the driver’s steering input down toward the steering system. The bolt is supposed to stay tight so the wheel remains fixed to the shaft while the vehicle is driven.
On affected vehicles, the steering shaft has less thread overlap for the bolt to grip. The bolt also uses a nylon locking patch, which is a material on the bolt threads that helps hold torque after installation. If that patch does not fully engage the shaft threads, the bolt can loosen over time. A loose bolt allows the steering wheel to wobble and, if it keeps backing out, detach while driving.
The warning sign is a wobble in the steering wheel. If you notice that movement, treat it as a steering problem and contact a Lincoln dealer before driving farther.
Who's affected?
Covers the Mkz and Fusion across five model years, all tied to the steering wheel.
| 2018 Lincoln Mkz | steering wheel |
|---|---|
| 2015 Lincoln Mkz | steering wheel |
| 2016 Lincoln Mkz | steering wheel |
| 2015 Ford Fusion | steering wheel |
| 2017 Ford Fusion | steering wheel |
| 2018 Ford Fusion | steering wheel |
| 2014 Lincoln Mkz | steering wheel |
| 2016 Ford Fusion | steering wheel |
| 2017 Lincoln Mkz | steering wheel |
| 2014 Ford Fusion | steering wheel |
| Units affected | 1,301,986 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the steering wheel detaches, the driver can lose steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. A wobble in the steering wheel is the warning sign that the bolt has loosened. Schedule the repair soon and avoid ignoring steering movement. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2018 Lincoln Mkz or Fusion is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free steering-wheel bolt replacement that keeps the steering wheel secured.
- Bring the recall notice if Lincoln mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V167 when you call.
- Avoid driving if the steering wheel feels loose, and ask the dealer what to do before moving the vehicle.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician replaces the steering wheel retaining bolt with a longer bolt so the steering wheel stays secured to the column. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. The manufacturer provided a reimbursement plan for owners who paid for this repair before recall notification, but the eligibility window ended on May 31, 2018. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask the service desk how the closed reimbursement window applies to your claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 12, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 13, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| March 13, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 30, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 30, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 30, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V167?
Recall 18V167 covers 1,301,986 2014-2018 Lincoln Mkz and Fusion vehicles with a steering wheel retaining bolt that can loosen. If the bolt loosens, the steering wheel can detach while driving, causing loss of steering control and raising crash risk. Lincoln dealers replace the bolt for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2018 Lincoln Mkz or Fusion is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V167. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule replacement of the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt. Reference recall number 18V167 or Ford recall number 18S08 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 18V167 is free. A franchised Lincoln dealer will replace the steering wheel retaining bolt with a longer bolt, with parts and labor covered.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V167?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. The steering wheel retaining bolt can loosen, allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving. That defect raises crash risk, so confirm your VIN and schedule the free bolt replacement if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought my Lincoln Mkz or Fusion used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received an owner letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a franchised Lincoln dealer and reference recall number 18V167.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V167000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V167 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V167000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →