Mazda joins Ford with throttle recall

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WASHINGTON, July 30 (UPI) -- Mazda North American Operations has followed Ford Motor Co. in a vehicle recall because of speed control problems.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that Mazda is recalling 217,500 Tribute vehicles from model years 2001-2006 and 2008 as there is "inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector," which could result in throttle becoming stuck.

The problem occurs mostly "when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost fully depressed," the NHTSA said.

Ford last week announced a recall of 485,000 small Escape SUVs due to throttle problems that cause uncontrolled acceleration.

It was known that the NHTSA was investigation both companies after the death of a 17-year-old in a car crash in January in Arizona.

Mazda Tributes being recalled are equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and a speed control feature.

Mazda's recall is scheduled to begin Aug. 6. The repair will be free of charge, regulators said.

Consumers can call 888-327-4236 for information.