Ford recalls 1.38 million vehicles for loose steering wheel bolts

Ford Motor Co.is recalling almost 1.4 million Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans in North America because loose bolts could allow the steering wheel to come off.

Ford Motor Co said Wednesday it is recalling 1.38 million vehicles in North America for potentially loose steering wheel bolts that could detach, in a callback linked to two accidents and one injury.

Ford announced on Wednesday that it is recalling almost 1.4 million midsize cars in North America because their steering wheels can detach and drivers could lose control.

The recall covers the 2014 through 2017 Fusion made at Ford's Flat Rock, Mich. plant from August 6, 2013, through February 29, 2016; the 2014 through 2018 Fusion made at Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico, plant from July 25, 2013, through March 5, 2018; and the 2014 through 2018 Lincoln MKZ made at the Hermosillo, Mexico, plant from July 25, 2013, through March 5, 2018.

2014-18 Fusions and MKZs built in Hermosillo, Mexico, from July 25, 2013, to March 5, 2018.

About 1.3 million vehicles in the USA are involved, including model years 2014-2017 Ford Fusions built at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant and model years 2014-2018 Fusion and MKZ vehicles built at the Hermosillo Assembly Plant.

In the affected cars, a steering wheel bolt may be unable to maintain torque, loosening it over time. That recall covers the 2013-16 Ford Focus with a 1.0-liter Fox GTDI engine and B6 manual transmission and the 2013-15 Ford Fusion with a 1.6-liter GTDI engine and B6 manual transmission.