Ford Recalls Escape, Focus for Defective Engine Wiring

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 142,000 of its 2013-2014 model Escape crossovers and 17,400 of its Focus ST small hatchbacks in North America because their engines could hesitate or stall.

Each vehicle is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Ford says the engine's wiring harnesses may have poorly manufactured splices that could muddle signals to the electronic engine controller, thus interfering with smooth operation.

Ford redesigned the Escape for 2013. That year's edition has now been recalled 11 times, although the company says no specific model has been part of all 11 campaigns. Escape sales, which climbed 13% in 2013, are flat so far this year, according to Autodata Corp.