Ford recalls 65K cars due to ignition malfunction

Ford is recalling about 65,000 Fusion midsize cars in North America because the ignition keys can be removed if the transmission isn’t in park.

The recall covers certain Fusions, including gas-electric hybrids, from the 2014 and 2015 model years. Ford traced the problem to a computer program in the instrument cluster.

Keys can be removed 30 minutes after the ignition switch is turned off if the cars are left in gear. That violates U.S. safety regulations and increases the risk of cars rolling away unexpectedly.

Officials said Ford isn’t aware of any crashes or injuries from the problem. Dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster at no cost to owners.

The recall covers about 55,000 vehicles in the U.S., with the rest in Canada and Mexico.

Ford issued the following manufacturing information about affected vehicles:

Affected vehicles include certain 2014-2015 Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Sept. 4, 2013 to Oct. 31, 2014
Certain 2014-2015 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, July 27, 2013 to Oct. 31, 2014
Certain 2015 Fusion Energi vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, July 14, 2014 to Oct. 31, 2014
Certain 2015 Fusion Hybrid vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Feb. 24, 2014 to Oct. 31, 2014