Ford Motor Co. is recalling 421,000 Escape crossover SUVs in the United States to fix a problem in which a speed control cable can become stuck resulting in unintended continued acceleration.

Only model year 2001 through 2004 Escapes equipped with V6 engines and cruise control are involved in the recall.

A total of 485,000 Escapes are being recalled globally, according to Ford.

When the gas pedal is pressed almost all the way down, a cruise control cable can become stuck between the engine cover and a cruise control cable cover. The problem can occur whether cruise control is in use or not.

If this happens, the engine will not return to a slower speed even after the driver releases the gas pedal.

NHTSA had recently opened an investigation into stuck throttles in Ford Escapes and virtually identical Mazda Tributes after receiving 99 complaints, including at least one involving a death, according to NHTSA documents.

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