---
title: "Ford Issues Recall for Steering Wheels That Could Suddenly Detach"
description: "The issue affects approximately 1.3 million 2014 through 2018 model year Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles."
date: "2018-03-14"
modified: "2018-03-14"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/19219/ford-issues-recall-for-steering-wheels-that-could-suddenly-detach"
categories:
  - "Ford News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "car safety"
  - "Ford"
  - "MKZ"
  - "Recall"
  - "safety"
---

# Ford Issues Recall for Steering Wheels That Could Suddenly Detach

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/03/18_fusi_titan_34frntdrvrmotn_mj.jpg>)
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Ford has issued a safety compliance [recall](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/18939/ford-recalls-the-2017-and-2018-taurus-due-to-ignition-issues>) for select Ford Fusion and [Lincoln MKZ](<https://thestore.thedrive.com/>) vehicles for potentially loose steering wheel bolts that over time could lead to the steering wheel detaching from its assembly. Yes, you read that right, the steering could literally come off while you're driving.

The automaker estimates that this issue affects 1.3 million vehicles manufactured between 2014 and 2018 across several American and Mexican assembly plants. According to a [statement](<https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2018/03/14/ford-motor-company-issues-two-n-a--safety-recalls.html>) by Ford Motor Company, the steering wheel bolt may not maintain its torque rating due to a design flaw, which could lead the bolt to loosen over time and the steering wheel to detach. Obviously, the threat of this happening while the vehicle is being driven poses an infinite danger to the occupants and other innocent bystanders.

Out of the 1,378,637 affected vehicles in North America, 1,301,986 are in the United States, 62,479 in Canada and 14,172 in Mexico. Dealerships will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt with more robust thread engagement and larger nylon patch for proper torque retention. Owners should call their local Ford dealer and reference recall number 18S08.

This recall is one of several that Ford Motor Company has issued in recent months, including one that involves 1.3 million Ford Explorer SUVs for [exhaust fumes leaks](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/17905/ford-urged-to-recall-1-3-million-explorers>), and another for front seats that weren't properly tightened and could become loose while driving. Of course, the Blue Oval is still dealing with [Takata-related](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/18435/ford-ranger-owners-urged-to-stop-driving-immediately-amid-airbag-concerns>) safety recalls, which involve another 36,000 Ford Ranger midsize pickup trucks.

Stay safe, folks.

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)