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

Ford recalls SUVs over reduced braking performance

Dearborn, MI – December 12, 2021 – Ford (NYSE: F) has issued a recall for 114,996 vehicles with decreased braking performance. The issue prolongs stopping distance, upping the risk of an accident and injury.

The recall includes the following SUVs: 

  • 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
  • 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
  • 2021 Ford Escape
  • 2022 Ford Escape

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this recall have rear brake pads that contain calipers whose role is to stop the car when the driver presses the brake by clamping down on the wheels.  Due to a supplier error, the calipers in the recalled vehicles do not generate sufficient friction to do that properly. As such, it may be harder to stop the car, especially if the brake booster malfunctions.

The component in question is the rear brake caliper with part numbers NX61-2D251-BNA for the left and NX61-2D250-BNA for the right one. 

Recall risks

The issue increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Other Ford recalls 

In September, there was a Ford Bronco recall that also included 2021 Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. The recall was caused by  the possibility of an engine stall

Last November, there was a Ford Escape recall because of a faulty rearview camera. The recall also included close to 430,000 other vehicles and was subsequently subject to scrutiny by the auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), because of its timeliness and scope, as reported.

The repair

Dealers are set to rectify the problem by replacing rear brake pads with ones that ensure sufficient friction. This solution, however, is still under development. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners between January 10 and January 14, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This recall includes more than 100,000 SUVs. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls SUVs over reduced braking performance