F Ford Motor Company

By Aisha Al-Muslim

Ford Motor Co. is expanding its safety recall to more than 270,000 Fusion cars and new 2019 Ranger Ranger trucks in North America after finding a gearshift problem could cause the vehicles to roll away unexpectedly.

Ford issued two safety recalls Wednesday for select 2013 to 2016 Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.5-liter engine for a shifter cable bushing issue and select 2019 Ranger trucks for transmission shift cable bracket fastener problem.

Both problems could result in the transmission to be in a gear different from the position selected by the driver, possibly leading to unintended vehicle movement, which could increase the risk of a crash or injury, Ford said.

The Dearborn, Mich.-based company advised dealers and vehicle owners to always use the parking brake whenever it is parked.

Affected are about 259,182 Fusion vehicles in the U.S. and its territories, 10,282 in Canada and 3,765 in Mexico made in at the Flat Rock, Mich. assembly plant from April 12, 2013, to Feb. 29, 2016, and at the Hermosillo, Mexico, assembly plant from Feb. 9, 2012, to April 4, 2016.

Ford is aware of three reports alleging property damage and one report alleging an injury potentially involving Fusion vehicles. The cause and repair instructions are in the process of being confirmed.

About 2,500 vehicles in the U.S. and its territories and about 260 in Canada built at the Wayne, Mich., assembly plant from March 5 to 13 are affected. Ford said it isn't aware of any accidents or injuries involving 2019 Ranger vehicles.

Write to Aisha Al-Muslim at aisha.al-muslim@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 15, 2019 16:01 ET (20:01 GMT)

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