North Carolina Consumers Council

Ford is recalling more than 423,000 2001-2004 Ford Escape vehicles. 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.

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.

This recall involves 2001 through 2004 model year Ford Escapes equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control manufactured from October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004.

Ford will notify the owners of all Ford Escape vehicles affected by this recall to arrange for free repair at a local dealership. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. If parts are not available at the time of an owner's service appointment, dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy,