Ford Motor Company said Wednesday it is recalling 527,000 Escape sport-utility vehicles after receiving reports of engine fires linked to the anti-lock brake connectors, Reuters reports. The vehicles involved in the recall were from the model years 2001 to 2004, Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley said. The automaker is recalling 444,000 in the United States. The rest of the SUVs were sold in Europe, Mexico and Canada. The recall does not affect hybrid versions of the SUV, Kinley said. Water and contaminants can enter the ABS connector and cause corrosion, which in some cases could lead to smoking or melting of the ABS connector, Kinley said. Also, the ABS warning light could come on, she added. Ford said there have been about 50 engine fires connected to the problem, but no accidents or injuries, reports Reuters.
Ford Recalls 527,000 Escapes
Ford is recalling 527,000 Escapes in model years 2001 to 2004 after receiving reports of engine fires linked to the anti-lock brake connectors. The recall does not affect hybrid versions.
More Small Fleet

Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →How One Fleet Cut Motor Pool Costs by $45K With Smarter Key Control and Automation
Still managing your motor pool with spreadsheets and manual approvals? Loyola University replaced outdated processes with automated fleet management, eliminating overtime and saving up to $50,000 annually. See how they did it.
Read More →Artificial Intelligence in Field Service: North America
48% of field service leaders are investing in AI to manage customer communication and self-service. Get the latest on how fleets are using AI and thinking about the future.
Read More →
Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries
There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Read More →
It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report
What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.
Read More →
Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America
Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.
Read More →
VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone
A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.
Read More →
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski
VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.
Read More →
Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!
Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.
Read More →
