Suspension. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports3 fire reports12 injury reports

Structure complaints

45 reports

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58,000 miles · Mar 2, 2015

StructureVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA TRIBUTE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V174000 (STRUCTURE), THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE. AS A RESULT, THE UNDERCARRIAGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO THE GARAGE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISING THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V357000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

NHTSA ODI #10691597

141,000 miles · Jan 5, 2015

StructureSuspension

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THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL HAS EXCESSIVE CORROSION THROUGH THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE. THE CORROSION HAS SPLIT MY FRAME IN HALF AND LEFT WHOLES SURROUNDING THE SPLIT. MY SHOCK TOWER IS EXPOSED AND CORRODED MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE IS SPLITTING IN THE SAME EXACT PLACE.THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND OBVIOUS DEFECT. THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE WAS JUST RECALLED AND REPAIRED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY MAZDA HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE ALREADY. EXCESSIVE CORROSION HAS ALSO OCCURRED ON THE FORD ESCAPE MADE FROM THE SAME LINE. MAZDA NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND CORRECT THIS BEFORE A SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITY OCCURS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10670344

110,000 miles · Jan 2, 2015

Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS RUSTING CAUSING THE STRUT BRACE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED A MANUFACTURERS RECALL THAT WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT …

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NHTSA ODI #10669616

108,477 miles · Oct 13, 2014

StructureSuspensionWheels

WHILE LOOKING FOR A KNOCKING SOUND IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR FOUND THAT THE SHOCK MOUNT ASSEMBLY WAS BROKEN LOOSE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. YOU COULD SEE THROUGH TO THE INTERIOR FABRIC, LEAVING SHOCK AND MOUNT ATTACHED TO NOTHING. SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644376

Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2014

SteeringStructureSuspension

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THIS WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT. I RECENTLY HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE RIGHT AND LEFT INNER WHEELHOUSE PANELS ON MY 2004 MAZDA TRIBUTE REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE INNER WHEELHOUSE PANELS WERE RUSTED THRU AND THE SHOCKS THAT WERE ATTACHED TO THOSE PANELS WERE LOOSE DUE TO CRACKS IN THE PANELS AND WERE BANGING UP AGAINST THE CAR. I DON'T CONSIDER THAT MUCH CORROSION THAT CAUSED THE PANELS TO BREAK LOOSE FROM THE CAR BODY AS NORMAL WEAR & TEAR NOR PART OF SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE WATCHED UNDER ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. I HAVE KEPT CARS LONGER THAN 10 YEARS AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM! IT WAS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD AND SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN HURT IN A SERIOUS AUTO ACCIDENT. PLEASE RECOMMEND A RECALL ON 2004 MAZDA TRIBUTES DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT IN THEIR QUALITY CONTROL AND PROCESSES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10638973

158,000 miles · Sep 2, 2014

Structure

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SHOCK ABSORBER WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V174000 (STRUCTURE FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000. THE CONSUMER STATED BECAUSE OF THE LOUD AND RATTLING NOISE HE HEARD WHEN HE WENT OVER A BUMP, SHE DECIDED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. SHE DISCOVERED A HOLE ON THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SIDE IN THE AREA OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL AND SHE COULD SEE THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. PARTS OF METAL WERE MISSING AND THERE WERE CRACKS IN THE METAL AROUND THE WHEEL WELL AND THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT BOX. THERE WAS ONLY ONE SMALL SECTION OF METAL HOLDING THE MOUNT BOX ONTO THE VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY, HER BROTHER TOOK THE PANEL OFF THE INSIDE TIGHT REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WELL, ONLY TO DISCOVER MORE CRACKS, ROT, CORROSION AND HOLES AROUND THE WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT BOX. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO REAR CORROSION. UPDATED 11/10/14

NHTSA ODI #10630121

Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2014

StructureSuspension

EXCESSIVE CORROSION AT REAR SHOCK MOUNT. REAR WHEEL WELL AND SHOCK MOUNT REQUIRES REPLACEMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10606976

150,000 miles · Jun 23, 2014

StructureSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA TRIBUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME, REAR SHOCK TOWER, AND WHEEL WELL WERE COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V174000 (SUSPENSION) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT PROVIDING A SUFFICIENT REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE F…

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NHTSA ODI #10605150

85,000 miles · Apr 15, 2014

StructureSuspension

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I NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HEARD A KNOCKING COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE I THOUGHT IT WAS A BAD SHOCK AT FIRST SO I PULLED OVER TO CHECK IT OUT AND THE REAR SHOCK BRACKETS ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND ARE BREAKING AWAY FROM THE MAIN FRAME. I CONTACTED MAZDA ON APRIL 10 2014 AND THEY SAID THEY HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING TO MANY OF THEIR VEHICLES AS WELL AS MANY FORD ESCAPES. THEY HAVENT PROVIDED ANY OTHER INFO ON ASSITANCE WITH REPAIRS OR A RECALL. THE CAR IS NO LONGER DRIVEABLE UNTIL IT GOES THROUGH MASSIVE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SHEET METAL AND FRAMING IN THE REAR WHEEL WELL. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10582811

60,162 miles · Feb 13, 2014

StructureSuspension

INSIDE BOTH REAR WHEEL WELLS, THE BODY IS RUSTING OUT SUBSTANTIALLY AROUND THE SHOCK TOWER BRACKET. IT IS SO BAD THAT THE SHOCK TOWER CAN BREAK LOSE AND THE CAR WILL BE A DANGER TO DRIVE. THIS IS DOCUMENTED TO HAVE HAPPENED TO MANY SIMILAR 2004-2006 MAZDA TRIBUTES AND FORD ESCAPES (MADE ON SAME FACTORY LINE). IT IS A DIFFICULT A…

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NHTSA ODI #10564151

Official recalls

14V174000 · Structure:frame And Members

Apr 4, 2014

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Tribute vehicles manufactured May 22, 2000, through December 19, 2003, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. The recall began on May 29, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7514D.

12V357000 · Engine And Engine Cooling; Vehicle Speed Control:cables

Jul 27, 2012

Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Vehicle Speed Control:cables

Consequence: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.

Engine And Engine Cooling

Consequence: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

07V157000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Apr 10, 2007

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES (ABS), THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR MAY HAVE MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE MODULE CONNECTOR, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MIGHT CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, AND IN SOME CASES, THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR EITHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION OR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE ABS MODULE FOR MISSING OR DISLODGED WIRE SEALS, AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE HARNESS CONNECTOR AS APPROPRIATE. THE DEALER WILL ALSO INSPECT THE CONNECTOR ON THE ABS MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF IT IS FOUND TO BE CORRODED OR DAMAGED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 9, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

04V605000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock

Dec 23, 2004

CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTILITY 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 MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

04V583000 · Vehicle Speed Control:cables

Dec 10, 2004

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE IDLE SPEED MAY INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500, OPTION #4.

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

DP12005 · Cruise Control Cable

Opened Jul 17, 2012 · Closed Jul 17, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control; Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal; Vehicle Speed Control:cables; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control; Vehicle Speed Control:linkages; Vehicle Speed Control:springs

On July 8, 2012, The Center for Auto Safety has petitioned NHTSA to open defect investigations on Model Year (MY) 2002 ? 2004 Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute vehicles with certain cruise control cables.The Center for Auto Safety has also petitioned for a hearing to address whether Ford Motor Company (Ford) and Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) met their obligations to notify owners and correct a defect in certain Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute vehicles.The petitions to open investigations are denied as unnecessary and the petitions to conduct hearingsare denied.ODI IDs referenced above are: 10109921, 10116267, 10116574,10121108, 10125928, 10128545, 10130133,10137520, 10153327, 10155295, 10155817, 10159048, 10164205, 10165007, 10177337, 10184382, 10195378,10199728, 10201424, 10203178, 10204179, 10207677, 10214472, 10218668, 10222869, 10229600, 10255417,10256387, 10258046, 10259777, 10260591, 10266150, 10273613, 10291508, 10303282, 10303434, 10316154,10321828, 10323339, 10325817, 10331278, 10334038, 10335779, 10341773, 10342450, 10345004, 10363982,10370338, 10379444, 10432635, 10451652, 10466261, 891605, 10053779, 10125132, 10146998, 10149101,10160004, 10161052, 10170988, 10178811, 10204780, 10215610, 10222996, 10239609, 10252790, 10253666,10262773, 10264280, 10280669, 10289784, 10294932, 10312464, 10316440, 10343662, 10354530, 10413665,10461195

Additional source detail variants (6)

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Vehicle Speed Control:cables

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

Vehicle Speed Control

Vehicle Speed Control:springs

PE12019 · Stuck Throttle

Opened Jul 17, 2012 · Closed Feb 21, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control; Vehicle Speed Control:cables; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

In a letter dated July 25, 2012 Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-353 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector, which could result in a stuck throttle condition.The vehicles involved are model year (MY) 2001 through MY 2004 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed (cruise) control.A redesigned engine cover was implemented in production beginning in MY 2005, which provided additional clearance of the speed control cable to the engine cover.Similarly on July 26, 2012 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) on behalf of Mazda Motor Corporation of Hiroshima, Japan submitted a DIR to NHTSA, NHTSA Recall No. 12V-357, identifying the safety defect described above in MY 2001 through MY 2006 and MY 2008 Mazda Tribute vehicles (no Tribute vehicles were produced in MY 2007) equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control.Unlike the Ford Escape recall scope, the Mazda Tribute scope is broader as Mazda Tribute vehicles incorporated a similar engine cover design as related to the clearance to the speed control cable in MYs 2001 through 2006 and MY 2008.The failure report summary above reflects reports identified by ODI in review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and reports submitted to Ford and to Mazda.ODI identified 44 reports likely related to the safety defect described in the DIRs; 39 involving Ford Escape vehicles and 5 involving Mazda Tribute vehicles. This Preliminary Evaluation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10116267, 10128545, 10128681, 10137520, 10153327, 10165007, 10199728, 10234846, 10335779, 10466261, and 10468307.

Additional source detail variants (6)

Vehicle Speed Control:cables

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

Vehicle Speed Control

EA10002 · Engine Compartment Fire

Opened Jan 14, 2010 · Closed Feb 29, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Ford and Mazda recalled model year (MY) 2001 through 2004 Ford Escape (07V-156) and Mazda Tribute (07V-157) vehicles due to non-crash fires or non-fire thermal events originating in the engine compartment at or near the ABS control module.Approximately 545,700 vehicles were subject to the initial safety recalls and approximately 424,700 vehicles were serviced under those campaigns. The campaigns addressed potentially damaged, missing or misplaced seals in the ABS control module wiring harness electrical connector that could allow brake fluid to enter the connector, possibly resulting in corrosion, short-circuit, melting, smoke and/or fire.Since the recall, the agency is aware of 260 subject vehicles that have reportedly experienced non-crash fires or non-fire thermal events originating at or near the ABS control module in vehicles some time after being serviced under the campaign. The post-recall repair incident rates for MY 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles are 90.9 and 126.7 (normalized per 100,000 vehicles serviced under the recall campaigns), respectively.These rates are much higher than the post-recall repair incident rate for MY 2003 and 2004 subject vehicles, which are 5.0 and 3.7 per 100K, respectively.Similarly, the post-recall repair key-off fire incident rates in the MY 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles is 54.3 per 100K, compared to 0.5 per 100K for the MY 2003 and 2004 subject vehicles.The agency is aware of 12 key-off fire incidents, all involving MY 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles, where the vehicle was parked inside a structure when the fire started.In five of those incidents, the fire spread from the vehicle to the structure itself.Ford has identified the brake master cylinder reservoir cap in certain MY 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles as a potential source for brake fluid leaks that could affect ABS module connector integrity.The reservoir caps used on the MY 2003 and 2004 subject vehicles are reportedly an improved design from those used on the earlier models.By letter dated January 4, 2012, Ford notified the agency that it would conduct another safety recall (identified by NTHSA Recall No. 12V-005 and Ford Recall No. 11S24) of certain MY 2001 and 2002 Ford Escape vehicles to perform a more thorough remedy to address the risk of fire originating at the ABS control module.In addition to double-checking the ABS control module wiring harness electrical connector weather seal (which should have been addressed under the previous recall campaign), Ford will replace brake master cylinder reservoir caps to address the leaking cap problem and reduce the risk of brake fluid entering the subject electrical connector.Ford will also modify the electrical system such that the ABS control module is de-energized when the ignition key is switched off to further reduce the risk of an unattended vehicle fire in units that may have sustained some small loss of connector integrity that may not be evident upon visual examination.Similarly, Mazda notified the agency by letter dated January 19, 2012, that it would also conduct a safety recall (identified by NTHSA Recall No. 12V-016 and Mazda Recall No. 6712A) of certain MY 2001 and 2002 Mazda Tribute vehicles.Ford estimates repair parts will be available beginning the second quarter of 2012. Until recall repairs are made both Ford and Mazda are advising owners of affected vehicles to reduce the safety concern by parking their vehicles outdoors away from structures to prevent a potential fire from spreading.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

RQ09002 · Engine Compartment Fire

Opened Apr 15, 2009 · Closed Jan 15, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

IN LETTERS DATED MARCH 30, 2007, FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FORD) AND MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS (MAZDA) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT THEY WILL CONDUCT RECALLS 07V-156 AND 07V-157, RESPECTIVELY, TO REMEDY A SAFETY DEFECT THAT MAY RESULT IN FIRE IN A WIRING CONNECTOR USED IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001-2004 FORD ESCAPE AND MAZDA TRIBUTE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS.THE RECALL CAMPAIGN PRESCRIBES AN INSPECTION OF THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, WHICH SHALL BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED ONLY IF NECESSARY.IF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE PASSES THE VISUAL INSPECTION THEN THE RECALL INSTRUCTS THE TECHNICIAN TO APPLY ELECTRICAL GREASE (FORD PART NUMBER XG-12) TO THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR AND VERIFY SYSTEM OPERATION.TO DATE, APPROXIMATELY 388,500 SUBJECT VEHICLES (71.7% OF THE TOTAL RECALL POPULATION) HAVE BEEN SERVICED UNDER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN, THE VAST MAJORITY OF WHICH (373,985) PASSED THE VISUAL INSPECTION AND RECEIVED ONLY THE ELECTRICAL GREASE APPLIED TO THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR. THE AGENCY IS AWARE OF AT LEAST 86 UNIQUE SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT HAVE REPORTEDLY EXPERIENCED NON-CRASH FIRE INCIDENTS ORIGINATING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT OR NEAR THE ABS CONTROL MODULE SOME TIME AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER THE SUBJECT RECALL.THE MANUFACTURER HAS PROVIDED SOME INFORMATION THAT INDICATES CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE IMPROPERLY SERVICED UNDER THE SUBJECT RECALL AS EVIDENCED BY THE FACTORY WIRE TIE-WRAP NOT BEING REMOVED FROM THE WIRING HARNESS (WHICH INDICATES A PROPER INSPECTION COULD NOT HAVE BEEN PERFORMED) AND BY INCORRECT GREASE BEING APPLIED, INCORRECT AMOUNTS OF GREASE, AND EVEN INSTANCES WHERE NO GREASE WAS APPLIED TO THE ABS MODULE CONNECTOR.ALSO, THERE REMAIN SOME QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SEVERITY OF THE REPORTED FIRE INCIDENTS.THE MANUFACTURER CONTENDS THAT MOST REPORTED FIRES WERE ACTUALLY NON-FIRE THERMAL EVENTS WITH DAMAGE LIMITED TO THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS AND THAT MOST VEHICLES ARE REPAIRED AND RETURNED TO SERVICE.HOWEVER, THE TREND APPEARS TO BE ONGOING WITH 5 REPORTED INCIDENTS HAVING OCCURRED IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS.ACCORDINGLY, THIS RECALL QUERY HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE RECALL REMEDY.

DP09003 · Engine Compartment Fire

Opened Apr 14, 2009 · Closed Apr 15, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A DEFECT PETITION DATED MARCH 5, 2009 ALLEGING THAT THE PETITIONER NEVER RECEIVED THE RECALL REMEDY FOR 07V-156 AND THAT, AS A RESULT, THE PETITIONER'S MY2003 FORD ESCAPE CAUGHT FIRE AT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE.IN RESPONSE TO ODI FOLLOW-UP, THE MANUFACTURER VERIFIED THAT THE PETITIONER'S VEHICLE HAD IN FACT RECEIVED SERVICE RELATED TO SAFETY RECALL 07V156 - A FACT LATER CORROBORATED BY THE PETITIONER.CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE FIRE EXPERIENCED IN THE PETITIONER'S REMEDIED VEHICLE INDICATE THAT THE REMEDY WAS INEFFECTIVE.ADDITIONAL REVIEW BY ODI IDENTIFIED AN ADDITIONAL 6 SIMILAR (ALLEGED TO HAVE ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT OR NEAR THE ABS CONTROL MODULE ) NON-CRASH FIRE INCIDENTS IN SUBJECT VEHICLES KNOWN TO HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL REMEDY.ACCORDINGLY, A RECALL QUERY (RQ09-002) HAS BEEN OPENED TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE RECALL REMEDY.