Ford recalls new Fusion to fix faulty headlights as spate of problems continues

DETROIT - Ford is recalling about 19,000 brand-new Fusion midsize cars, including more than 1,000 in Canada, to fix defective headlights. Reflectors in the low-beam lights on the 2013 Fusions can become hazy over time, reducing brightness.

Ford said Friday that it will replace the headlights for free and plans to notify owners by mail later this month. In Canada approximately 1,100 Fusions are affected by the safety compliance recall, Ford Canada said. Ford spokesman Said Deep said the problem was discovered by Ford's internal testing and was caused by improper manufacturing of the headlamp by a parts supply company. He said the recalls show that Ford will take action to correct safety problems as soon as it finds them.

Last week, Ford recalled new Fusions and Escape SUVs with 1.6-litre turbocharged engines because they can overheat, leak fluids and catch fire. That recall affects 89,000 vehicles in North America. The company said it had 13 reports of fires in those vehicles and it told owners to stop driving them and use free loaner cars from dealers until the problem is fixed. So far, the company hasn't figured out what caused the fires.

On Tuesday, Ford said it was looking into similar engine fires in Europe. But Deep said Friday that the company has determined that European engines do not have similar issues. The 1.6-litre engines are used in the Focus and Mondeo sedans and Galaxy minivan in Europe.