NHTSA Investigating Ford Escape Fires

The National Highway Traffic Safety Admin. is investigating possible engine-compartment fires in ’01-’03 Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute cross/utility vehicles after receiving several complaints.

Nearly 600,000 of the CUVs could be affected. NHTSA says the fires appear to be related to the electronic control module for the vehicle’s antilock braking.

In five of the eight complaints, the fires occurred after the vehicles were parked, NHTSA says. Two other complaints involve smoke or melted electrical connectors and wiring near the ABS system.

No injuries have been linked to the fires.