Ford has issued a recall of 485,000 Escapes and Mavericks after a lengthy investigation that concluded in finding that sticking gas pedals were causing crashes. The recall includes models from 2001 through 2004 that are powered by 3-liter V-6 engines with cruise control. The investigation began a week ago, and only included the Escape. The Highway Safety Administration says they have received 68 complaints about the problem, 13 crashes, nine injuries, and one death. The death being a teenage girl who died in the January crash in Payson, AZ. Ford reports that the cruise control cables can snag on the plastic cover on top of the engine and cause the gas pedals to stick. Dealers are offering to replace the engine cover fasteners and raise the covers to make more room. If you own one of these recalled vehicles stop use immediately and contact your local ford dealer immediately so they may fix the problem. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to the pedals sticking please call Begam & Marks immediately for representation.
