Ford recalls 527,000 Escapes made in KC, Ohio

Dearborn MI April 11, 2007; Ford Motor Co. will recall 527,000 Escape sports utility vehicles made in Kansas City and Avon Lake, Ohio, because of concerns that faulty seals in the vehicles' anti-lock braking systems could cause engine fires or other problems.

Ford spokeswoman Jennifer Moore said Wednesday that the recalled vehicles were made at its Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo and its Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake. The recall excludes the hybrid version of the Escape, she said.

Missing or incorrectly installed seals on the ABS wiring harness could lead to an illuminated ABS light, an open fuse or, in rare instances, smoking, melting or burning of the ABS connector, Moore said. No accidents or injuries have been reported related to the problem, she said.

Dealers will inspect recalled vehicles for corrosion and when necessary replace the connector or ABS module free of charge, Moore said.

Ford makes its F-Series truck, Escape SUV and Mazda Tribute SUV at the Claycomo plant, as well as hybrid versions of the two SUVs. The plant employs more than 5,000 workers and ranks No. 1 on the Kansas City Business Journal's list of area manufacturers and No. 6 on its list of area employers.