Ford issued a recall of 74,000 older models of Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner on Friday due to problems with its coolant pump, causing vehicles to stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
the recall covers the 2005 to 2008 Escapes and 2006 to 2008 Mariners sold in the United States and Canada, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The American car manufacturer clarified that there were no accidents reported concerning the identified defect. Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the defect can cause overheating in the hybrid electronics system.
"When the hybrid electronics system gets too hot it will shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash," according to Ford's filing with NHTSA, quoted by Reuters.
Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker wrote in an e-mail to the New York Times that Ford has been investigating the said defects since April after receiving complaints from owners. The company released an advisory to the dealers five years ago to test the motor electronics pump to check for problems.
"I was traveling through New York City Route 95 during rush hour, bumper-to-bumper traffic. The car for no apparent reason displayed the 'Stop Safely Now' message and the engine died. This car is unsafe to drive because you have no idea when the engine will shut down," an Escape owner wrote to NHTSA in 2011.
Ford is also recalling 400 2014 model Ford Focus sedans and 2015 model Lincoln MKCs due to possible defects on the fuel delivery module's filter. Another recall was issued on 1,700 2014 model F-650 and F-750 pickup trucks due to the same issue. These vehicles were sold in the United States and Canada. There were no injuries or accidents reported.
