WASHINGTON – Ford Motor Co. is recalling 423,634 2001-2004 model-year Ford Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control to address the risk of a stuck throttle.

The Escape vehicles in this recall were all manufactured from Oct. 22, 1999 through Jan. 23, 2004. Because of inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector, the throttle can get stuck when the accelerator pedal is pressed down. This risk exists regardless of whether the driver is using cruise control, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported. This condition poses a safety risk.

Dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance. There will be no charge for this service.

The parts to fix the problem are expected to become available to dealers in mid-August. Until then, dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy, if parts aren’t yet available at the time of a vehicle owner’s service appointment.

Owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.