Recall 12V353 affects 529,719 2001-2004 Ford Escape SUVs for stuck-throttle risk from inadequate engine-cover clearance. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 529,719 2001-2004 Escape SUVs equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control because inadequate clearance between the engine cover and speed control cable connector can leave the throttle stuck after hard acceleration. A stuck throttle can make the vehicle difficult to slow or stop at very high speeds, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The speed control cable connector on the 2001-2004 Ford Escape is part of the throttle control hardware on Escape vehicles with the 3.0L V6 engine and speed control. Its job is to help move the throttle as the accelerator pedal, or the speed control system, asks the engine for more power. The engine cover sits above that hardware and is supposed to leave enough room for normal movement.
On affected Escapes, the clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector is too tight. When the accelerator pedal is pressed fully or almost fully, the connector can catch near the engine cover and hold the throttle open. That means the engine does not return to idle as expected, even if cruise control is not being used.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices can be the accelerator pedal or engine speed not returning normally after a hard press.
Who's affected?
For each model year in the 2001-2004 range, the recall includes both vehicle speed-control cables and engine and engine cooling components.
| 2001 Ford Escape | Cables |
|---|---|
| 2001 Ford Escape | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2002 Ford Escape | Cables |
| 2002 Ford Escape | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2003 Ford Escape | Cables |
| 2003 Ford Escape | Engine and engine cooling |
| 2004 Ford Escape | Cables |
| 2004 Ford Escape | Engine and engine cooling |
| Units affected | 529,719 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A stuck throttle can send the Escape to very high speeds and make it hard to slow or stop, increasing the risk of a crash, serious injury, or death. Schedule the recall repair soon. If the throttle sticks, brake steadily, shift to neutral, and pull over when safe. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2001-2004 Ford Escape is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer after your VIN is confirmed and ask whether recall number 12V353 is open for service.
- Ask about the free engine-cover-clearance repair that keeps the engine cover from binding the speed-control cable.
- Ask the dealer to disconnect the speed-control cable as an interim repair if final repair parts are not available at your appointment.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 12V353 when you call.
- Avoid fully depressing the accelerator until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Ford's listed dealer repair is to increase clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector. Once that repair is available, a Ford technician adjusts the engine cover area so the cable connector has enough room to move without binding when the accelerator is pressed hard. The final dealer repair is free. If remedy parts are not available at the service appointment, Ford's interim step is for the dealer to disconnect the speed control cable until the final repair can be completed.
Timeline
| July 26, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 3, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V353?
Recall 12V353 covers 529,719 2001-2004 Ford Escape vehicles with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and speed control cable connector can leave the throttle stuck after hard acceleration. Ford dealers repair the clearance issue for free.
What should I do if my 2001-2004 Ford Escape is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Escape is included in recall 12V353. If it is, call a franchised Ford dealer and ask for the engine cover clearance repair. Reference recall number 12V353 when you call. Ford's filing lists 1-866-436-7332 for owner questions.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost. Ford dealers increase the engine cover clearance free of charge. Ford's filing also described an interim speed control cable disconnect for appointments before final parts were available.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V353?
The safety risk is a stuck throttle after the accelerator pedal is fully or almost fully depressed. A stuck throttle can lead to very high vehicle speeds and make the Escape difficult to stop or slow, increasing crash, serious injury, or death risk.
What if I bought my Ford Escape used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Escape is included, then contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall number 12V353 when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V353000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V353 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V353000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →