Feds studying problems with Ford SUV throttles

Tim Boyle/Getty Images

NEW YORK U.S. safety regulators are looking into throttle problems with older Ford (F) Escapes at the request of a consumer group.

The nonprofit North Carolina Consumers Council has asked federal regulators to investigate two complaints from drivers that the small SUVs stalled or surged forward.

The government will look at 1.6 million Escapes from the 2005 to 2012 model years. If the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration decides to launch a formal investigation, it could lead to a recall of some of the SUVs.

The council said in its petition that Ford has sent a number of advisories to dealers about stalling and surging. The so-called technical service bulletins are sent out to help mechanics spot problems and fix them. Such advisories are not recalls.

Ford said it will work with NHTSA.

• Dodge Dart gets top safety ranking
• 25 coolest cars at the Paris Auto Show
• Chrysler's September sales rise 12 percent