Ford recalls 74,000 older models

Ford Motor Co is recalling about 74,000 older model Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner crossover vehicles because the electronic hybrid system may overheat, according to a filing with US regulators on Friday. Escapes from model years 2005 to 2008 and Mariners from 2006 to 2008 are affected by the recall. Ford said it was not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the issue.
Ford told regulators from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that a coolant pump may malfunction, which can cause the hybrid electronics systems to overheat and possibly lead to more serious problems. "When the hybrid electronics system gets too hot it will shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash," according to Ford's filing with NHTSA.