Nov 18, 2014 10:13 AM EST
Ford Recall: 65,000 Fusions Called Back Over Ignition Key Concerns

Ford is recalling approximately 65,000 Fusion midsize vehicles in North America over ignition keys that could be removed if the transmission isn't in park.

The recall covers about 55,000 vehicles in the U.S., according to the Associated Press. An additional 6,000 are in Canada and about 2,350 can be found in Mexico.

The recall covers select Fusion models, like the gas-electric hybrids from the 2014 and 2015 model years.

Ford traced the issue to a computer program in the instrument cluster, according to the Associated Press.

Keys can be removed 30 minutes after the ignition switch is turned off if affected vehicles are left in gear. This violates U.S. safety regulations and increases the chance of vehicles rolling away accidentally.

The automaker isn't aware of any injuries or crashes linked to the issue as of press time.

Dealers are being instructed to reprogram the instrument cluster. All repairs, if necessary, will be completed free of charge.

Ford, like many other automakers, has seen its recalls soar through the roof in 2014. So far, the company has confirmed 36 U.S. recalls for a total of 4.3 million vehicles. In comparison, Ford recalled 1.2 million vehicles in 2013 in the United States in 16 campaigns, according to The Detroit News.

Earlier on this month, Ford issued five recalls covering 200,000 vehicles. Last Friday the automaker expanded a recall of 85,000 vehicles for Takata airbags to include both the passenger and driver airbags in 25,000 Ford Ranger pickups.

Nearly 60 million vehicles have been recalled this year, nearly doubling the previous record of 30.8 million set back in 2004.

General Motors has recalled 26.5 million vehicles so far in 2014.

The Fusion is Ford's best-selling sedan in the U.S., according to Reuters. Sales through October this year were at around 250,000, representing a 20 percent from the first 10 months of 2013.

Click here to find out if your vehicle is part of the recall or any recent recall, by entering your VIN number.

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