Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling 209 units of its 2023 to 2024 Escape two-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
Misalignment of the radar module can result in the ACC misclassifying an overhead object as an object in the vehicle’s path, causing the vehicle to slow and/or stop unexpectedly. Other safety systems that depend on the radar module (Pre-Collision Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Auto Emergency Braking) could have diminished or lost function. These conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Recall Chronology –
- On December 5, 2023, an issue pertaining to misaligned ACC radar modules was brought to Ford’s Critical Concern Group (CCRG) for review. The Louisville Assembly Plant (LAP) had reported high failure rates of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) at the Wheel Alignment Headlight Aim (WAHA) station. Ford determined that the cruise control modules on Escape Two-Wheel-Drive variants were calibrated using incorrect radar calibration board positions.
- From January to May 2024, Ford monitored warranty data and reviewed the alignment angle data for each of the vehicles calibrated using the incorrect board positions. The alignment data were compared to the mathematical angular error resulting from the incorrect board height. Through this review, the team determined the number of vehicles in the suspect population that may have incorrectly passed WAHA.
- As of June 3, 2024, Ford is not aware of any Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), warranty claims, field reports, or complaints related to this concern. Ford is also not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires related to this concern.
- On June 7, 2024, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved a field action. Dealers will adjust the angle of the radar module free of charge.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 1, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 24S39.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov.