Statement of CAS Executive Director Clarence Ditlow on Ford Escape Sudden Acceleration Recall – 7/26/12

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.

July 26, 2012

“Ford’s Escape recall announcement today continues its cover-up of a defective cruise control cable it has known about since 2005 and which killed Saige Bloom in Payson AZ in January 2012.  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.  CAS has urged NHTSA Administrator David Strickland to reject this inadequate fix for a deadly defect and require Ford to replace the cruise control cable just as former NHTSA Administrator Joan Claybrook rejected Ford’s first fix of the infamous Pinto and required a better remedy.  CAS also called on Administrator Strickland to impose the maximum possible fine of at least $17 million against Ford for failing to recall these vehicles in 2005.  Ford’s defect description and remedy have one purpose, and one purpose only, to avoid a civil penalty being imposed by NHTSA for failing to do a timely recall in 2005 when Ford discovered the cruise control cable guide would break and the cable connector would jam against the engine cover resulting in a struck throttle.”

CAS Letter to NHTSA Administrator David Strickland re: Ford Recall Remedy

For more information on Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute Sudden Acceleration, Click Here.