On certain sport utility vehicles, a post within the safety belt buckle covers could fracture which could affect latch function, resulting in either "no latch" or "partial latch" condition. In the "partial latch" condition, the buckle tongue can be inserted into the buckle and appear to be engaged, but will release from the buckle without the push button being depressed when a relatively low load is applied, such as when an occupant moves slightly in the seat.

In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.

Dealers will have the driver and front passenger safety belt buckle cover removed and replaced with a newly designed service buckle cover. Owner notification is expected to begin during January 2004. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

MY 2001 through 2002 and certain 2003 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines that during deceleration, the engine can stall.

Should the engine stall, a vehicle crash could occur.

Owners will be instructed to take their vehicles to a ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer to have the Power Control Module (PCM) reprogrammed with the appropriate calibration. Owner notification is expected to begin on April 21, 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford motor company customer relation center at 1-800-392-3673.