Recall 23V162 covers 1,280,726 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Mkz vehicles for front brake hoses that can rupture. Free repair at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 1,280,726 2013-2018 Fusion and Mkz vehicles because the front brake hoses can rupture and leak brake fluid. A leak increases brake pedal travel and lengthens stopping distance, which raises crash risk, and the dealer repair replaces the front brake hoses free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front brake jounce hose on the 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Mkz is the flexible brake fluid line near the front suspension. It carries pressurized brake fluid to the front brakes while still bending as the wheel turns and the suspension moves over bumps. That flexibility is part of its normal job.
On affected vehicles, the hose's internal reinforcement braid wears down from repeated pulling, bending, and twisting during normal steering and suspension movement. Once that braid weakens in one spot, the hose can rupture. A rupture lets brake fluid leak out, which reduces the pressure the braking system needs to work correctly.
Drivers can notice a change in brake pedal feel or longer pedal travel before the hose fails completely. The brake fluid warning light will also illuminate when the fluid level drops.
Who's affected?
Covers Fusion and Mkz sedans across the 2013-2018 model years, all tied to the same right front hydraulic brake hose.
| 2014 Ford Fusion | hydraulic brake hose |
|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Fusion | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2014 Lincoln Mkz | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2015 Lincoln Mkz | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2017 Lincoln Mkz | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2018 Lincoln Mkz | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2013 Lincoln Mkz | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2016 Lincoln Mkz | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2013 Ford Fusion | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2015 Ford Fusion | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2016 Ford Fusion | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2018 Ford Fusion | hydraulic brake hose |
| Units affected | 1,280,726 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A brake fluid leak increases brake pedal travel and extends stopping distance, which increases the risk of a crash. Watch for a brake pedal that travels farther than usual or a brake fluid warning light. If either appears, pull over safely and call the dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2018 Ford Fusion or Lincoln Mkz is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free front brake-hose replacement.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 23V162 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Brake-fluid leaks increase brake pedal travel and extend stopping distance.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions about Ford recall 23S12.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the front brake hoses covered by recall 23V162. The hose replacement and labor are free under the recall. The repair addresses hoses that can rupture and leak brake fluid. Ford's general reimbursement plan covers documented owner-paid remedy costs before the recall notice, with reimbursement eligibility ending August 31, 2023. If you already paid for a related front brake hose repair, bring repair records and receipts to the service desk or contact Ford customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 10, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 13, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| March 13, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 17, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 12, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 27, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V162?
Recall 23V162 covers 1,280,726 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Mkz vehicles with front brake hoses that can rupture and leak brake fluid. A leak increases brake pedal travel and stopping distance, which increases crash risk. Dealers replace the front brake hoses for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2018 Ford Fusion or Lincoln Mkz is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V162. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the front brake hose replacement. Reference Ford recall number 23S12 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this safety defect at no cost to the owner. For recall 23V162, dealers replace the front brake hoses free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is longer stopping distance from a brake fluid leak. If a front brake hose ruptures, brake pedal travel increases and the vehicle needs more distance to stop. That increases crash risk, so confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
When were owners notified about recall 23V162?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on June 27, 2023. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call a Ford dealer with recall number 23S12 if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V162000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V162 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V162000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →