Ford recalls Escape SUVs over risk of rollaway

Dearborn, MI – May 1, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 96,015 2015 Ford Escape SUVs over a problem over a transmission issue that could cause the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall summary

In order to shift a car into a certain transmission, a driver pushes the shifter handle into the intended position. The handle is linked to the transmission by a shifter cable. The cable is fixed in place by a small rubber part called a bushing.

In the recalled vehicles, the bushing that connects the shift cable to the transmission may be damaged or degraded partially because of heat and humidity. When the bushing is damaged, the shift cable can disconnect from the transmission.

If the handle and the transmission are disconnected, the transmission will not respond to the driver’s input. For example, when the driver moves the gearshift lever into the Park position, the transmission might remain in Drive.

The component involved in this recall is the escape shifter cable bushing, with part number DJ5P-7E395-AC.

Recall risks

This may cause the vehicle to roll away. Similarly, the driver could attempt to shift into or out of Reverse, only to have the vehicle remain in the previous gear. Either situation could increase the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice that the vehicle’s movement does not correspond to the gear they have selected, even if the correct gear is shown on the instrument panel. If the vehicle’s ignition is switched off while the transmission is not in Park, the engine will not restart.

Other Ford recalls 

In June 2021, Ford issued a similar recall for 192,080 Ford Transit Connect vans spanning the 2013 to 2021 model years. This was also over degraded bushings that caused the transmission shift cable to disconnect, making the transmission unresponsive to driver input.

Past 2015 Ford Escape recalls have addressed issues such as doors that could open while the vehicle was in motion and seat mounting bolts that could fracture.

The repair

Dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing with a more durable version and add a protective cap. The service will be performed free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners for the costs of any previous repair work involving the damaged component.

Affected owners will be notified on or before May 13, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 96,000 vehicles are included in this Ford shifter cable recall. To do a Ford recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Escape SUVs over risk of rollaway

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