The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·15V606000·Announced 2015-09-29

Ford Recalls 2001-2008 Escape and Mariner for Transmission Shift Lever Defect

Ford is recalling 2001-2008 Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles with specific remanufactured transmissions because the shift lever bolt may not be tightened, risking vehicle rollaway.

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 recall involves a structural vehicle defect (transmission shift lever) that creates a risk of vehicle rollaway and injury to occupants and bystanders, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected vehicles were manufactured between March 31, 2001, and September 1, 2009, and are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine. Specifically, this recall applies to vehicles that have had their CD4E transmission replaced with a remanufactured unit rebuilt between June 11, 2015, and July 15, 2015.

The defect involves a shift lever bolt on these service repair part transmissions that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning. If this occurs while driving, the gear selection indicator may show the transmission is in the "PARK" position when it is not actually engaged. This creates a risk that the vehicle could roll away when the driver and occupants exit, increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions to either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
FORD, MERCURY ESCAPE, MARINER
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Transmission
Hazard
Affected units
57

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 (2)

  • ESCAPE
  • MARINER

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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