This is already the third recall on the new 2013 Escape, earlier ones were for fires and unintended acceleration.
Ford Motor is conducting its third recall on its all-new Escape SUV because a manufacturing defect at its engine plant in Bridgend, United Kingdom can cause a coolant leak from the 1.6-liter engine. At least two fires have been reported, according to the required NHTSA filing from Ford reporting its latest safety defect. More than 6,000 SUVs are affected.
This is the third major recall on the best-selling Ford crossover, which received a redesign for the 2013 model year, its first major revision since its 2001 model year debut. Ford did not publicize the recall, which became public because of a required legal filing with the Department of Transportation.
The two previous Ford Escape recalls – one for engine fires on the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine caused by defective high-pressure fuel lines, and an earlier one for accelerator and brake pedal interference caused by interior carpeting – raise questions about Ford’s ability to launch new models without quality concerns. Under U.S. safety regulations, Ford dealers cannot sell or demonstrate the potentially defective Louisville-built SUVs until repairs are performed.
The safety recall is expected to begin on 10 September 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 about recall 12S39. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov.
Ford and Mazda are also recalling Escape and Tribute SUVs from 2001-2008 model years because a cruise control cable can stick and cause unintended acceleration. This recall was forced in July when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an unintended acceleration investigation on 2001 through 2004 Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute SUVs after receiving 99 reports of unintended acceleration from owners. At least one fatality and nine injures are alleged in multiple accidents. Sixty-eight stuck throttle reports are from Ford Escape owners; thirty-one reports are from owners of Mazda Tributes. See: More than 640,000 Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute SUVs Recalled for Unintended Acceleration after NHTSA Opens Defect Probe
