"Ford's Escape recall announcement continues its coverup of a defective cruise control cable it has known about since 2005," said Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center. "Rather than replace the defective cruise control cable, Ford uses a cheap fastener to raise the engine cover to try to provide enough clearance so the cable doesn't jam."
The issue, which affects 2001-2004 model year Escapes equipped with the 3.0-liter V6 engine and cruise control, occurs when the cruise control cable catches on the engine cover and holds the throttle open. Ford states that the problem is caused by a lack of clearance between the cable and the engine cover, and is addressing it by installing new fasteners to raise the cover and make room for the cable.
However, the NHTSA is currently investigating to determine whether the problem stems from a December 2004 Escape accelerator cable recall. The repairs performed as part of the recall may have damaged the cruise control cable, causing it to snag on the cover.
Dealers informed the company that cruise control cables were damaged during the 2004 recall repairs, but Ford was unaware until recently that the damage could cause throttles to stick, Ford spokeswoman Marcey Zwiebel said.
