Ford is recalling 865 Focus Electric hatchbacks from the 2015 and 2016 model years to address an issue with the cars' transmission differential pinion-gear shafts.

Under certain conditions, these pinion gear shafts may overheat and fracture.

This could cause a car to suddenly lose motive power while driving, or become unable to shift into park.

DON'T MISS: Updated 2017 Ford Focus Electric: 100-Mile Range, DC Fast Charging (Dec 2015)

To address the problem, Ford dealers will install a new transmission-differential assembly with a friction-reducing coating on both the pinion shaft and the pinon-gear bores.

This work will be performed free of charge.

Ford says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries resulting from the pinion-shaft problem.

2016 Ford Focus Electric

2016 Ford Focus Electric

In addition to the 865 cars in the U.S., the recall affects 66 cars in Canada.

The recalled models were built at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant between August 20, 2015, and April 13, 2016, and at the Saarlouis Assembly Plant between February 28, 2016, and March 30, 2016.

ALSO SEE: Four new (or updated) electric cars coming for 2017

Sales of the Focus Electric have remained low, as Ford hasn't been very aggressive in promoting the car.

Through June, Ford sold just 446 Focus Electric hatchbacks in the U.S.

However, Ford is planning a major update for the 2017 model year, including a boost to 100 miles of range.

2016 Ford Focus Electric

2016 Ford Focus Electric

The Focus Electric went on sale in California and New York in December 2011, but nationwide sales did not begin until 2012.

Through last month, Ford has sold a total of 6,423 Focus Electrics in the U.S., less than 10 percent of the number of Nissan Leafs sold over a period one year longer.

In that time, the car has only received fairly minor updates.

MORE: Ford says 'no thanks' to 200-mile electric car race, for now

Ford has said it will boost the range of the 2017 Focus Electric to 100 miles or more, from its current rating of 73 miles.

Owners seeking more information about the current recall can contact Ford Customer Service at 1-800-392-3673, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) vehicle safety hot line at 1-888-327-4236.

The recall notice is also available on the NHTSA's Safercar.gov website under ID number 16V479000.

_______________________________________________

Follow GreenCarReports on Facebook and Twitter