Ford Escape SUVs may have throttle problems, say safety agencies

The National Highway Safety Administration is considering a federal safety probe into 2005-2012 Ford Escape sport utility vehicles after receiving a plea from a state consumer agency of stuck electronic throttles.

The North Carolina Consumers Council allege that it has received complaints of engine stalling and surging in two 2009 Ford SUVs. Both instances, says the nonprofit safety organization, occurred without warning as drivers were entering traffic or traveling on highways.

A Ford spokeswoman told The Detroit News that it is aware of the NHTSA’s possible investigation into its 2005-2012 Ford Escape models, which includes the hybrid version of the compact SUV and will work with the NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigations to determine the cause of the stuck throttles—a safety issue which resulted in a recall due to the Escape’s faulty cruise control system.

The compact Ford Escape SUVs has been redesigned for the 2013 model year. But the new-for-2013 Ford Escape has already been the subject of official NHTSA action—including recalls for leaky fuel lines and the risk of engine fires.

Watch Consumer Reports’ video to learn how to stop your vehicle safely during incidents of unintended acceleration. Consumers should also go online to the NHTSA webite, www.SaferCars.gov, to report such safety incidents with the federal agency. Read How to write a NHTSA complaint for more information.

Sources:
Investigation: 2005-2012 Ford Escape SUVs – Throttle body    Action #: DP12006 [NHTSA]
North Carolina Consumers Council Petitions NHTSA for Defect Investigation into Throttle Body Failures in 2005-2012 Ford Escape Vehicles [via PR Web]
U.S. reviews request to investigate 1.6M Ford Escape SUVs [The Detroit News]