DETROIT, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Ford Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp. are recalling 310,000 Ford Escapes and Mazda Tribunes because an unlocked lift gate could open during a crash.
The recall, which covers 2001 to 2005 model small sport utility vehicles, is the second recall for the near twin vehicles by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in two weeks.
Ford dealers will replace the rear lift latch release rod, the release rod attachment clip and the door handle return spring on 262,113 Escape SUVs beginning Jan. 24, 2005, NHTSA said.
Mazda will offer 49,800 Tribute owners free repairs for the identical defect.
Ford recalled more than 600,000 small SUVs for model years 2002 through 2004 Dec. 13 because the accelerator cable might stick preventing the engine from returning to idle.
Escape owners can contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673 or reach the NHTSA Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-327-4236.
