Safety Regulators Probe Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan Brake Problems

DEARBORN, MI — U.S. safety regulators are investigating a braking problem with certain Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan cars linked to three crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday it has received 141 complaints about the problem, which some motorists said left their vehicles in mid-intersection when they stopped at red lights.

Dearborn-based Ford Motor Co., which manufactures the Fusion, said it is cooperating in the investigation. Affected vehicles are from the 2007 to 2009 model years. Ford no longer manufactures the Milan. The problem occurs when the brake pedal goes "soft," or loses pressure under certain conditions. About 475,000 of the vehicles are still on the road, NHTSA officials estimate.

According to a report on the NHTSA website, the anti-lock braking system might not work properly when the popular sedans cross rough or uneven surfaces such as a manhole cover or in slippery conditions. This can require a longer distance to stop and increase the risk of a crash.

Ford said it is cooperating with the investigation, which was opened on Dec. 20.

Both vehicles have been involved in previous recalls, including the recall of 1.9 million Ford models in the massive Takata Corp. air bag recall that involved vehicles made by more than two dozen car manufacturers. In addition, 2010 and 2011 Fusion and Milan vehicles were recalled because fuel tanks may crack, Reuters reported.

Photo via Ford Motor Co.