Ford recalls 128,616 Mercury Milan and Fusion amid concerns of a front wheel issue

Ford has decided to recall 128,616 of its Mercury Milan and top-selling Ford Fusion amid concerns their 17-inch steel wheels may fall off – while the vehicle is moving.

In some vehicles from model years 2010 and 2011, the wheel studs may fracture and make the car shake.

If ignored, the wheels may fall off a moving car, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a posting on its website.

Ford, the No. 2 U.S. carmaker, said the issue may stem from wheel mounting pads or rear brake discs that have been incorrectly built and cannot support the wheel.

The sedans were built at Ford’s Hermosillo stamping and assembly plant in Mexico in April 2009 and from December 2009 through November 13, 2010, reports Reuters.

One front wheel was affected and the other five incidents involved a rear wheel.

Cars with alloy wheels are not affected.

Ford said that 128,616 cars were affected by the recall.

Ford’s sales have rebounded partly because of the improved quality of its lineup, according to Reuters.

Ford Fusion sales were up about 15 percent for the first 11 months of 2011.

The sedan competes against Honda Motor Co’s Accord and Toyota Motor Co’s Camry.