WASHINGTON, D.C. -

What first began as an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration turned into a recall last week for the Ford Escape from the 2001 through 2004 models years.

Officials said the Blue Oval is recalling 423,634 Escapes equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. These units manufactured from Oct. 22, 1999 through Jan. 23, 2004 have inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector, according to NHTSA.

The agency fears the condition could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed.

“This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used,” NHTSA determined.

“A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death,” the agency continued.

Ford told officials it will notify owners, and franchised dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or before Aug. 6.

NHTSA stated remedy parts are expected to be available by the middle of next month. Until then, officials said dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy, if parts are not available at the time of an owner’s service appointment.

Meanwhile, owners can contact Ford at (866) 436-7332.

Earlier this month, officials estimated about 730,000 units — all of which were Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute units from the 2001 through 2004 model years — were under investigation by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation.

ODI investigators revealed in documentation that they had been monitoring an issue involving the potential failure of the throttle to return to idle when the accelerator pedal has been released in these vehicles.

NHTSA’s investigative team identified 99 reports alleging incidents of throttles failing to return to idle when the accelerator pedal has been released — what officials termed as “stuck throttle.”