Recall Mondays: The 2014-2015 Ford Escapes Are In The Hot Seat This Week

MANUFACTURER: Ford Motor Company

CUSTOMERS AFFECTED: 182,520

SUMMARY:

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured May 19, 2014, to February 6, 2015, and Transit Connect vehicles manufactured May 13, 2014, to December 10, 2014. Due to a software incompatibility issue, the instrument panel cluster be inoperative including a blank multiple functional display (MFD), and non-functional warning chimes, messages and warning lights. Specific warning chimes, messages and warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

CONSEQUENCE:

If the instrument cluster is inoperative, the driver of may not be warned of safety related issues such as low tire pressures or disabled air bags, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash.

REMEDY:

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 10, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C03.