Seven years back, Ford recalled around 470,000 Ford Escape crossovers from its 2002-2004 model years to repair a troublesome accelerator cable. However, the Center for Auto Safety claims that those repairs might have possibly given rise to another problem. The original idea was to implement a fix that would prevent an accelerator cable from getting caught on a pedal. The defect could avoid the engine from idling. However CARS claims that the suggested repairing solutions could harm the vehicle’s cruise control cable which could result in unintended acceleration.

CARS claim that the new problem can be interrelated to at least one deadly accident, and they also documents numerous other complaints from owners. Ford says it’s conducting an investigation into the complaints. Although the Center says that, Ford was aware of the issue early on in the recall and facts to a memo issued to the Ford dealers as a proof. The bulletin enclosed updated illustrations and a “warning regarding the correct procedures to follow when replacing the accelerator cable”. The update precisely notes cruise control cables may possibly be damaged through the recall repairs.

Clarence Ditlow, Executive Director of the Center, reportedly anticipates telling Ford CEO Alan Mulally to dispense with the investigation and “to get it over with now.” Ford replied to The New York Times in an email expressing sympathy towards the family of the teenager who lost his life and stated that, “We are in the midst of our investigation, and we have not reached any conclusions. We will work closely with NHTSA to determine the cause of the crash and will take appropriate action if warranted by the outcome of the investigation.”

via auto blog