Recall issued for 1.3 million Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs over potential brake fluid leak

Ford has issued a safety recall for 1.28 million Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans sold in the U.S. over faulty brake fluid hoses that can rupture, requiring more distance to stop the vehicles and "increasing the risk of a crash," according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected vehicles are approximately 1.2 million Ford Fusions made between 2013 and 2018, and about 113,000 Lincoln MKZs of the same model years.

NHTSA said in a document detailing the recall that 2% of the affected vehicles are estimated to have the defect. Owners of vehicles subject to the recall will be "notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer" for the required repair, NHTSA said, adding that the notification letters are "expected to be completed by April 28, 2023."

Owners will not be charged for the repair, NHTSA said.