By Sean Gagnier, Crain News Service
DETROIT (April 8, 2014) — Ford Motor Co. is recalling 385,762 model-year 2001-2004 Escape SUVs due to rust that could cause the separation of the lower control arm from the subframe of the vehicle.
As of March 31, there are 348,804 affected vehicles in the U.S. and 36,799 in Canada, according to the auto maker.
The recall covers vehicles sold in states where high corrosion is likely to occur—mainly states that salt their roads in the winter.
According to Ford, auto dealers will install a crossbrace reinforcement to any vehicle affected by the recall. The company said it is aware of one crash that could be related to the recall, but is not aware of any injuries.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) closed a similar investigation into Ford vehicles last year and the company recalled 370,000 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car vehicles from the 2005-11 model years to inspect and repair the lower steering shaft. These vehicles were also sold in “salt belt” states.
In an unrelated recall, NHTSA announced that Ford is recalling 48,960 model-year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, Ford Escape and C-Max vehicles to replace seatback frames that are not up to NHTSA standards.
No injuries or cashes have been reported as a result of the seatback frames and Ford has said that dealers will replace the frames on affected vehicles.
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This report appeared on autonews.com, the website of Automotive News, a Detroit-based sister publication of Tire Business.
