Ford Recalls 2001-2002 Escape Vehicles for Brake Fluid Leak Fire Risk
Ford is recalling 2001-2002 Escape vehicles because a leaking brake fluid cap could cause electrical corrosion, smoke, or fire.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The source explicitly states that the defect can lead to melting, smoke, or a fire, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or structural vehicle defects involving fire hazards.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 Escape vehicles manufactured between October 22, 1999, and July 19, 2002. The recall addresses a brake master cylinder reservoir cap that could leak brake fluid. If the fluid leaks, it may come into contact with the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module wiring harness connector.
This contact can lead to corrosion in the electrical connector, which may result in melting, smoke, or a fire. The recall campaign is related to a previous campaign identified as 07V-156.
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and modify the ABS electrical system. An interim letter was mailed to owners on January 20, 2012. Due to parts delays, the remedy may not be immediately available; if parts are unavailable, Ford will instruct owners to park their vehicles outside until parts become available. Owners can contact the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- FORD ESCAPE
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Category
- Vehicle — SUV
- Affected units
- 244,530
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (1)
- ESCAPE
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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