Ford has decided not to wait for the results of a NHTSA investigation into the 2001-2004 Escape.
Facing an investigation by NHTSA into work done under a previous callback Ford Motor Co. is now recalling nearly 500,000 of its older Escape SUVs because of a problem that could cause cruise-control cables to snag and lead the vehicle to begin racing out of control.
The recall applies only to V-6-powered versions of the popular Ford compact sport-utility vehicles built between the 2001 and 2004 model-years. But it could add to the embarrassment for the maker which already has had to issue a pair of recalls for the brand new version of the Escape.
The recall of the older models of the SUV follows word that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would begin an investigation covering both the Escape and the virtually identical Mazda Tribute. In all, the probe targets 730,000 of the vehicles. It appears that not all the Escape models included in the NHTSA action are being recalled, however. The latest recall covers just 485,000 of the Ford utes.
The investigation was triggered by 68 complaints indicating the cruise control cable can snag on the plastic engine cover. If that happens it is possible the throttle could stick wide open. The NHTSA has learned of 13 crashes connected to the problem that allegedly resulted in nine injuries and the death of a teenage girl in Arizona last January.
The situation appears to have been inadvertently created by repairs made to the old-model Escape during a past recall, safety experts noted. The NHTSA investigation was launched after safety groups began pressuring the agency to step in.
Though Ford is not waiting for the results of that probe the latest recall does not satisfy everyone. This “continues its coverup of a defective cruise control cable it has known about since 2005,” contends Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety in Washington, D.C. “Rather than replace the defective cruise control cable, Ford uses a cheap fastener to raise the engine cover to try to provide enough clearance so the cable doesn’t jam.”
Ditlow is demanding NHTSA require a more extensive fix, and that regulators fine Ford for not taking action sooner on a problem it may have known about for some time. The law requires a manufacturer to act within five days of learning about a defect that could trigger a recall.
While the latest callback involves earlier versions of the SUV it certainly doesn’t help the image of what was America’s best-selling compact sport-ute in June.
Ford had hoped to get off to a good start with the all-new 2013 Escape, which migrates from a conventionally truck-like platform to a car-like crossover design that it claims is more fuel-efficient and better-handling.
But early this month Ford was forced to order a recall for about 10,000 of the new models because loose carpet could jam the accelerator pedal. Then, last week, the 2013 Escape was targeted for a second recall because of a potentially leaky fuel line that could lead to engine fires.
That recall affects only 2013 Ford Escape models equipped with the 1.6-liter engine. The maker has advised customers to park the crossover and wait until dealers pick it up to make repairs. Ford plans to offer free loaners while the vehicles are being worked on.
All of the Escape recalls will be performed at no charge to owners.