Ford Motor Co. has expanded its recall of Escape and Mazda Tribute sport utility vehicles because of problems with the rear liftgate, which if left unlocked could open during a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Monday.
More than 310,000 vehicles from the 2001-2005 model years are involved in the latest recall. Ford owns one-third of Mazda Motor Corp.
Earlier this month, Ford announced that it was recalling more than 600,000 Escapes and Mazda Tributes from the 2002-2004 model years because the accelerator cable may prevent the engine from returning to idle, which could increase stopping distance and result in a crash.