Mazda, Ford recall over 700,000 vehicles over sticking gas pedal problem
28 Jul 2012
Mazda Motor Co yesterday said that it will recall 217,500 Tribute SUVs, while Ford Motors issued a recal a day earlier for nearly 483,000 Escape and Maverick crossover vehicles over sticking gas pedal problem that can lead to unintended acceleration.
Mazda's recall comes a day after Ford announced that the problem has already caused several accidents and one death.
Both Ford and Mazda vehicles were jointly developed and built on the same platform and design at Ford's Kansas City Assembly plant.
Ford has recalled 423,000 Escape SUVs made from 2001 to 2004 with 3.0-litre V-6 engines with cruise control sold in the US, and 60,000 in Canada, Europe, Mexico, and Asia, while Mazda is recalling 217,500 Tribute sport-utility vehicles of 2005-2006 and 2008 models sold in the US.
Both car makers said that due to lack of clearance between the cruise-control cable and engine cover, drivers may be unable to let off the throttle when the cruise control is in use.
Mazda said in a statement, "we believe they also have the potential for interference between the engine cover and the speed control cable."