Ford To Recall 500,000 Escape SUVs

Automaker Is Recalling Vehicles After Reports Of Engine Fires Linked To Brake Trouble

(AP)  Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday it was recalling more than 500,000 Ford Escape sport utility vehicles after receiving reports of engine fires linked to corrosion on antilock brake connectors.

Ford said the recall involved 444,880 Escapes from the 2001-2004 model years in the United States and about 75,000 Escapes in Canada, Mexico and Europe. The recall does not affect hybrid versions of the SUV, the automaker said.

Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford said there have been about 50 engine fires connected to the problems, which had been under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"There have been no reports of accidents or injuries. We have identified a repair, and owners of affected vehicles will be notified soon," said Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley.

The company said the recall would address missing or incorrectly installed seals on the wiring harness of the antilock brake connector.

Water and contaminants such as brake fluid or road salt could enter the connector and cause corrosion. That could lead to the ABS warning indicator lighting up, an open fuse or in some cases smoking, melting or burning of the electrical ABS connector.

Dealers will inspect the vehicles for corrosion and replace the connector and ABS module if necessary. Ford said it expects most vehicles will not have any corrosion concern, and will have the connector greased and reconnected.

[feelfree1]

Breaking update!!!

ALL American SUV's are now being recalled, as a result of overall crappiness, and unecessary resource waste!

[opfor311]

"ALL American SUV's are now being recalled, as a result of overall crappiness, and unecessary resource waste!"

I don't know about that.....I am very pleased with my Escape so far, and find I get better mileage than many cars on the road. Besides, the Escape is a Japanese Madza design.....

[crt1975]

I LOVE my Escape! I have owned it for about 16 months now and couldn't be more pleased. My 10 year old daughter and I zip everywhere in it and it hauls all of the girls backpacks, riding helmets, boots, etc. with plenty of room left for seating. The Escape is great on road trips with room for her DVD player, CD player, MP3 player, toys, games, luggage and more! My mileage is nice too. I wouldn't trade it.

[bluestardad]

Another BETTER IDEA BY FORD brought to you by the 65 dollar an hour UAW workers!

[missyx21]

That is why I don't buy ford. LMAO....

[lisakimbro]

That's why I buy Chevrolet!!! #1 Truck for how many years now??

[ralan40]

maybe they should rename it "Fire Escape" :)

[condumism]

Most engineers are so politically ignorant that they vote Republicon. I know because I work with many of these fools at a National Lab. Thus, one can easily surmise that all that ails Ford is due to poor design, not the UAW, as some would insinuate.

[dtopol]

I have a 2001 Escape, and I've always loved it. Only problem is the seats will break loose from the floor during a rear end crash... but I haven't had any other problems with mine....

[e7eryday]

I love my Escape. That is all.