The Ford Motor Company has issued a safety recall for 850,050 model year 2013-2014 Ford C-MAX, Fusion, Escape and Lincoln MKZ vehicles in North America for a potential proplem with the restraints control module.

In the affected vehicles, according to a company press release, the restraints control module could short circuit -- and if that occurs, the airbag warning indicator will turn on.

Then, depending on the location of the short circuit, the deployable restraint systems, such as the vehicle airbags, pretensioners and side curtains, could possibly end up not functioning as intended in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of personal injury.

Ford said the short circuit may also affect the function of other systems that use data from the restraints control module, including the vehicle stability control.

In such cases, the corresponding warning indicator lamps would also turn on.

Ford said it is so far not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the mechanical condition that led to the recall.

Customers who own the models affected by the recall are advised to take their vehicles to their nearest Ford Motor Company dealer, who will replace the restraints control module at no additional cost.

The company said that as of Sept. 24, it's aware of 746,842 affected vehicles in the United States and federalized territories, 82,962 in Canada and 20,246 in Mexico.

Affected vehicles include:

  • a limited number of 2013-14 C-MAX vehicles built at Michigan Assembly Plant, Jan. 19, 2012 to Nov. 21, 2013;
  • a limited number of 2013-14 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Feb. 3, 2012 to Aug. 24, 2013; a limited number of 2013-2014 Escape vehicles built at Louisville Assembly Plant, Oct. 5, 2011 to Nov. 1, 2013; and a limited number of 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, April 25, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2013.