Recall repairs on 2002-2004 Ford Escapes questioned by safety advocate – 7/10/12

The Center for Auto Safety is the nation’s premier independent, member driven, non-profit consumer advocacy organization dedicated to improving vehicle safety, quality, and fuel economy on behalf of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Vince Bond Jr.
Automotive News | July 10, 2012 – 3:54 pm EST

The Center for Auto Safety has filed a petition with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration asking the agency to investigate nearly 320,000 Ford Escapes that could have damaged cruise control cables stemming from recall repairs for an unrelated acceleration problem.

According to the center, the cables were damaged during a recall of 470,000 Escapes from the 2002-2004 model years to prevent accelerator cables from getting caught on the accelerator pedal. Repairs made during the recall keep the pedal from returning and the throttle body from going back to idle position, which can cause unintended acceleration, the petition stated.

Ford said it is investigating the matter but has reached no conclusions yet.

The Center for Auto Safety, in Washington, claims Ford knew about potential damage because of an October 2005 bulletin sent to its dealers containing “updated illustrations” and a “warning regarding the correct procedures to follow when replacing the accelerator cable” that were different from an earlier bulletin.

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