Wheel separation risk prompts major Ford recall

A wheel and tyre-related issue has prompted the Ford Motor Company to recall up to almost 130,000 vehicles in the US. The manufacturer has informed government safety body the NHTSA that it is recalling certain 2010 and 2011 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan models, specifically vehicles equipped with 17-inch steel wheels that were built between 1 and 30 April 2009 and from 1 December 2009 through to 13 November 2010.

According to Ford’s NHTSA filing, there is a risk that the wheel studs on these vehicles may fracture, potentially causing the wheel to separate and the tyre to become unattached. Ford says it will inspect rear brake disc surfaces for flatness and replace the discs when necessary, and replace the wheel lug nuts on all four wheels. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about 24 January 2012.