NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,394 reportsMileage unknown · May 27, 2016
Unknown Or Other
MY FORD ESCAPE LIMITED HAS A RANDOM PROBLEM WITH THE SHIFT LEVER BUTTON NOT ENGAGING FROM A PARKED POSITION. IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE THE BUTTON PUSH IN TO SELECT A GEAR (R, N, D). ALSO, THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT RELEASE THE KEY AFTER VEHICLE HAS STARTED AND I'VE ARRIVED AT DESTINATION, PUT THE VEHICLE IN "PARK." I HAVE…
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MY FORD ESCAPE LIMITED HAS A RANDOM PROBLEM WITH THE SHIFT LEVER BUTTON NOT ENGAGING FROM A PARKED POSITION. IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE THE BUTTON PUSH IN TO SELECT A GEAR (R, N, D). ALSO, THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT RELEASE THE KEY AFTER VEHICLE HAS STARTED AND I'VE ARRIVED AT DESTINATION, PUT THE VEHICLE IN "PARK." I HAVE TO STRUGGLE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES TO GET IT TO FINALLY RELEASE THE KEY. OTHERWISE, I HAVE HAD TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. IT'S BEEN LIKE THIS FOR THE PAST YEAR OR SO (ESPECIALLY ON COOL/COLD MORNINGS). STEREO SYSTEM HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN. PRESS ANY BUTTON AND IT WILL GO INTO "LOAD A CD" MODE. WHY?????
NHTSA ODI #10871291
115,000 miles · May 19, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPUTTER, HESITATE, AND SHUT OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS FAULTY. THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FLOW INDICATOR AND SENSORS WERE ALL REPLACED, BUT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPUTTER, HESITATE, AND SHUT OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS FAULTY. THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FLOW INDICATOR AND SENSORS WERE ALL REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
NHTSA ODI #10865741
113,750 miles · May 16, 2016
Suspension
THE REAR PASSENGER-SIDE SHOCK MOUNT (WHERE IT MOUNTS TO THE UNIBODY) HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY AWAY. THE TOP OF THE SHOCK IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10865212
130,000 miles · May 13, 2016
Suspension
REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED THRU TO THE INTERIOR. SHOCK ABSORBER IS ABOUT TO SEPARATE FROM THE BODY. UNSAFE TO DRIVE. QUOTED $2,200 TO REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI #10864843
107,000 miles · May 11, 2016
SuspensionUnknown Or Other
THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL RUSTED OUT CAUSING THE STRUT TO BREAK THROUGH THE TRUNK OF THE CAR . IT ALSO HAVE BAD RUST ON THE OTHER SIDE WHEEL WELL. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HWY. UPON TAKING IT TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA ODI #10864407
123,000 miles · May 4, 2016
StructureSuspension
2005 FORD ESCAPE 4X4 V6 PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL HOUSE RUSTED SIGNIFICANTLY ENOUGH TO CAUSE REAR WHEEL SHOCK CONNECTED TO WHEEL HOUSE TO FORCEFULLY SEPARATE AND BEGIN COLLIDING WITH THE INSIDE PLASTIC MOULDING IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR. DAMAGE WAS INITIALLY FOUND WHILE IN MOTION, NOTICED BY A RATTLING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE …
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2005 FORD ESCAPE 4X4 V6 PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL HOUSE RUSTED SIGNIFICANTLY ENOUGH TO CAUSE REAR WHEEL SHOCK CONNECTED TO WHEEL HOUSE TO FORCEFULLY SEPARATE AND BEGIN COLLIDING WITH THE INSIDE PLASTIC MOULDING IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR. DAMAGE WAS INITIALLY FOUND WHILE IN MOTION, NOTICED BY A RATTLING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION AND REMOVAL OF THE PLASTIC TRUNK HOUSING, THE ENTIRE TOP OF THE WHEEL WELL WAS VERY CLEARLY RUSTED. THE SHOCK WAS STILL CONNECTED TO A PIECE OF THE WHEEL HOUSE. THE REAR PASSENGER SHOCK HAD FORCEFULLY DISCONNECTED THE PIECE OF THE WHEEL HOUSE IT WAS ATTACHED TO BECAUSE OF THE OVERWHELMING AROUND OF RUST. AUTO-BODY SHOP QUOTED A $2,000 REPAIR (FOR A CAR BOUGHT FOR #3,600) TO ORDER A NEW WHEELHOUSE AND INSTALL IT. PROFESSIONAL AUTO BODY SHOP TEAMS QUOTED THAT THE ISSUE WASN'T SOMETHING YOU COULD PATCH OR LIGHTLY REPAIR, AND THE SHOCK WOULD NEED TO BE REATTACHED TO THE BODY OF THE CAR TO BE DRIVEN SAFELY. FORD WAS CONTACTED TWICE AND REPLIED WITH THEIR APOLOGIES THAT THE CUSTOMER WAS EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE, KNOWINGLY AWARE THAT THE 2001-2004 MODELS OF THIS VEHICLE WERE RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AND THAT HUNDREDS OF OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE AROUND 120,000 MILES. THE ISSUE SEEMS TO ALWAYS BE ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WITH NO SIGNIFICANT RUST OR DAMAGE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE.
NHTSA ODI #10863163
137,000 miles · Apr 23, 2016
Suspension
THE SHOCK MOUNT ON THE RIGHT REAR RUSTED OUT DETACHING THE SHOCK FROM THE BODY AND PIERCING THROUGH THE UPPER PLASTIC COVER IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN THIS HAPPENED. FORD SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE HAD IT BROKE AND SEPARATED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE…
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THE SHOCK MOUNT ON THE RIGHT REAR RUSTED OUT DETACHING THE SHOCK FROM THE BODY AND PIERCING THROUGH THE UPPER PLASTIC COVER IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN THIS HAPPENED. FORD SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE HAD IT BROKE AND SEPARATED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL! SECOND, FORD DOES NOT HAVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE A LOT OF 2005 ESCAPES ON THE ROAD. ALSO AUTO BODYSHOPS ARE UNWILLING TO DO ANY MODIFICATIONS OR WIELDING DUE TO THE LIABILITY OF THE LOCATION AND IMPORTANCE OF THAT PIECE. SO THE VEHICLE IS UN REPAIRABLE AT THIS TIME!
NHTSA ODI #10861071
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2016
Electrical SystemStructureVehicle Speed Control
REAR WHEEL WELLS RUSTING OUT AS WELL AS REAR SEAT WELLS UNDER DOORS RUSTING OFF IN HUGE CHUNKS,CRUISE,CD PLAYER DOESNT WORK,RADIO SHORTS OUT ON VOLUME CONTROL GOES LOUDER INSTEAD OF LOWER VOLUME,ALSO FRONT AXLE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT JOE LAKE TIRE DO THEY USE TIMKEN PRODUCTS?
NHTSA ODI #10859839
Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2016
StructureSuspension
THIS CAR HAS 80000MILES ON IT AND IS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT IN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK TOWER. I HAVE BEEN QUOTED 5000 TO FIX THE CAR TO MEET SAFETY STANDARDS. I CAN SEE THE TIRE ALL THE WAY THRU THE METAL.
NHTSA ODI #10854416
103,000 miles · Apr 8, 2016
Unknown Or OtherVisibility
THE REAR WINDOW OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLS JUST EXPLODED TODAY AROUND 2:30 P.M. I HAD ARRIVED ABOUT 2:15 P.M.AT MCDONALDS RESTAURANT. I WAS SITTING WITH A FRIEND WHEN AN EMPLOYEE CAME INTO LOBBY LOOKING FOR THE OWNER OF THE GRAY FORD ESCAPE IN THEIR PARKING LOT. I SAID, "YES IT IS MY CAR." EMPLOYEE THEN CAME AND TOLD ME THAT…
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THE REAR WINDOW OF MY 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLS JUST EXPLODED TODAY AROUND 2:30 P.M. I HAD ARRIVED ABOUT 2:15 P.M.AT MCDONALDS RESTAURANT. I WAS SITTING WITH A FRIEND WHEN AN EMPLOYEE CAME INTO LOBBY LOOKING FOR THE OWNER OF THE GRAY FORD ESCAPE IN THEIR PARKING LOT. I SAID, "YES IT IS MY CAR." EMPLOYEE THEN CAME AND TOLD ME THAT THE "REAR WINDOW OF MY CAR WAS BROKEN ALL OVER THE PARKING LOT. I WENT AND SAW WHAT HAPPENED. I HAVE NOT OPENED THE REAR GATE OR WINDOW IN OVER A WEEK. ALL I DID WAS PARK IT AND IN 15 MINUTES OF BEING INSIDE OF MCDONALDS THE WINDSHIELD EXPLODED. I HAVE READ WHERE OTHER PEOPLE WITH ESCAPES & MARINERS HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR YEAR. YEARS OLDER THAN MY 2005 AND AS NEW AS 2014 & 2015. IS THEIR A RECALL THAT FORD IS FIXING THIS PROBLEM, AS THEY OBVIOUSLY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT IT FOR YEARS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHO I CONTACT TO BE REIMBURSED FOR MY EXPENSE OF REPLACING IT. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10854242
Official recalls
4Sep 29, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and 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. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and 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. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
Consequence: If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and 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. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Sep 3, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.
Apr 7, 2006
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT SIDE AIR CURTAINS OR MOONROOFS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING TESTING, THE FREE MOTION HEAD FORM REGISTERED A MEASUREMENT ABOVE THE PERMITTED LIMIT AT THE LEFT HAND A-PILLAR TRIM AREA.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENERGY ABSORBING MATERIAL LOCATED ABOVE THE HEADLINER IN THE AFFECTED AREA FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 19, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Dec 20, 2004
CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2DP12006 · Electronic Throttle Body Malfunction
Opened Oct 2, 2012 · Closed Feb 21, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
In a letter dated August 30, 2012, The North Carolina Consumers Council (NCCC) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged electronic throttle body failures resulting in engine stall or surge while driving in model year (MY) 2005 through 2012 Ford Escape vehicles. On October 2, 2012 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition DP12-006 to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition is hereby granted on certain model years. The NCCC letter cites two complaints of stall while driving in MY 2009 Ford Escape vehicles that were diagnosed as failed throttle bodies with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, Throttle Body Stuck Open, and P2112, Throttle Body Stuck Closed. The petitioner indicates that the owners of both vehicles reported experiencing repeated incidents of stalling and engine surging. According to Ford, Escape non-hybrid vehicles are equipped with Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) assemblies beginning with MY 2009. Vehicles manufactured between June 22, 2009 and October 15, 2009 may contain contaminated printed circuit boards (PCB) with plating variations. Plating variations could lead to a lack of continuity in the throttle position sensor circuit where P2111 and/or other DTCs would be generated and stored. Ford and its electronic throttle body supplier, Delphi, modified the PCB manufacturing process and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-23-5. Vehicles produced after October 15, 2009 incorporated ETBs manufactured with a PCB process that resolved this condition. ODI's analysis identified a total of 123 unique reports indicating allegations of reduced motive power or vehicle stall. Depending on the condition of throttle control system malfunction, a driver may experience varying levels of reduced engine performance associated with three limp home modes. In two limp modes, reduced engine performance may maintain vehicle speeds above 20mph while the third is a limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Allegations of stall appear to be related to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Allegations of vehicle surge appear to be related to limp home mode operation. Complaints alleging surge are most likely related to engine RPM fluctuations at low vehicle speeds or idle as the control system engages to prevent engine stall. In limited limp mode, rough-idle conditions may exist while the control system attempts to modulate engine RPMs once the vehicle reaches a reduced speed to maintain approximately 900 RPM. Separately, ODI received 59 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2010-2011 Ford Fusion vehicles. Approximately 60 percent (36) of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Eighty percent of complaints (47) were received beginning March 2012 and 14 complaints reported that the throttle body was replaced or DTCs associated with limp home modes. Additionally, Ford issued TSB 10-21-6 addressing DTCs associated with idle speed drops and limited limp home mode. The petition is granted on certain model years.Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.See full copy of the closing resume for this defect petition for list of the VOQs associated with the defect petition analysis.
AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.
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