Those with three-liter, V6 Ford Escapes from model years 2001 through 2004 will soon receive recall notices from the manufacturer. Even some 11,500 owners of 2013 Escapes with 1.6-liter EcoBoost engines will face recalls because of potential fuel line fire risk. Most of the recalled SUVs are garaged in the U.S., including Pennsylvania, although some reside in Canada, Mexico and a few in Europe and other regions.

The issue? A potentially defective cruise control cable. This auto defect apparently can cause stuck throttles. Thus far 68 complaints have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration alleging nine injuries and one death in Arizona in early 2012.

The NHTSA investigation of this potential problem involves the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute SUVs, as they were jointly manufactured for these model years. Although Mazda has yet to recall any Tribute models, they are working closely with Ford and the NHTSA to investigate the cruise control cable issue.

NHTSA reports that "inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed (cruise) control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed." Investigators have yet to determine if the reported injuries and death were the result of this potential auto defect.

To avoid any future problems, Ford is asking owners to leave their Escapes parked, without even driving them to their dealership for repair and replacement. Ford apparently believes this is the best way to ensure that no stuck throttles will occur prior to cable repairs.

Ford issued these recalls in July 2012, immediately after NHTSA started its investigation of the numerous stuck throttle claims. Do you know anyone with a 2001 through 2004 Ford Escape or Mazda Tribute SUV?

Source: Reuters, "Ford recalls 484,600 Escape SUVs for throttle problem," Bernie Woodall, July 26, 2012