Ford Recalls Fusions, Milans on Potential Wheel Hazard

(NewsCore) - Ford is recalling 128,616 Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans because of concerns that the wheels may fall off certain models, the US auto safety regulator said Friday.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain model-year 2010 and 2011 Ford Fusions and Mercury Milans have "wheel studs [that] may fracture, potentially causing a wheel to separate."

Ford said it was not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the issue.

The recall affects cars equipped with 17-inch steel wheels and built from April 1, 2009 through April 30, 2009, and from Dec. 1, 2009 through Nov. 13, 2010.

"While driving, multiple stud fractures could occur at the wheel location, and the operator may experience vehicle vibration and/or wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash," the NHTSA said in a statement.

Ford said it will notify affected owners and will have local dealerships provide inspections on potentially affected vehicles.