DETROIT (AP) -- Federal safety regulators have started looking into throttle problems with older-model Ford Escape SUVs.
The North Carolina Consumers Council has asked for an investigation into two complaints that the SUVs stalled or surged.
The request affects 1.6 million Escapes from the 2005 to 2012 model years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has two complaints from drivers who experienced repeated stalling or surging. No crashes or injuries have been reported.
The council says in its petition that Ford has sent a number of service bulletins to dealers about hesitation and stalling.
The Escapes have not been recalled. The federal agency says it will decide if it should start a formal investigation.
