Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The throttle control cable in your 2001-2004 Escape with a 3.0L V6 engine connects your accelerator pedal to your engine. There's a risk that the cable could get stuck, causing the engine to rev up uncontrollably.
Risk if Unfixed
If the throttle gets stuck, your vehicle could speed up rapidly and become hard to stop or slow down, which could lead to a severe crash, serious injury, or even death.
Free Fix
Your Ford dealer will increase the clearance between the engine cover and the throttle cable to prevent the sticking issue, free of charge. You'll get a notification when the parts are available, and in the meantime, the dealer will temporarily disconnect the throttle cable to keep you safe.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall began August 3, 2012. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. Until then dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy, if parts are not available at the time of an owner's service appointment. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →