Ford Escape Cruise Control Radar Module Misalignment

The cruise control on certain 2023-2024 Ford Escape two-wheel drive vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control (ACC), may have a misaligned radar module that could increase the risk of a crash.

The core of the issue lies in the misalignment of the radar module, a critical component of the ACC system. This misalignment can lead to the ACC system misclassifying overhead objects as obstacles in the vehicle's path. Consequently, the vehicle might unexpectedly slow down or come to a complete stop. Such behavior not only disrupts the smooth operation of the cruise control but also affects other safety systems reliant on the radar module. These include Pre-Collision Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Auto Emergency Braking, all of which could experience reduced or lost functionality, thereby heightening the risk of a crash.

Ford became aware of this issue in December 2023, when the misalignment of the ACC radar module was reported to Ford’s Critical Concern Group (CCRG). The Louisville Assembly Plant (LAP) reported high failure rates of the ACC at the Wheel Alignment Headlight Aim (WAHA) station. Upon investigation, it was found that the cruise control modules on the affected Escape models were calibrated using incorrect radar calibration board positions.

Between January and May 2024, Ford closely monitored warranty data and reviewed alignment angle data for the vehicles calibrated with the incorrect board positions. By comparing this data to the mathematical angular error caused by the incorrect board height, Ford determined the number of vehicles that may have incorrectly passed the WAHA station.

As of June 3, 2024, Ford has not received any Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), warranty claims, field reports, or complaints related to this concern. There have been no reports of accidents, injuries, or fires linked to this issue. On June 7, 2024, Ford's Field Review Committee reviewed the problem and approved a recall action.

Ford has initiated a recall, urging owners of the affected vehicles to return to their dealers for a radar module angle adjustment. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by July 1, 2024. The recall is identified by Ford's number 24S39 and the NHTSA campaign number 24V-440.