(August 16, 2014) Ford announced four new recalls Friday, the largest involving nearly 160,000 2013-14 Ford Focus STs and Escapes for stalling problems due to faulty wiring harnesses. It was the 11th recall of the 2013 Escape.

The recall covers vehicles with 2-liter engines in North America. Ford said engine wiring harnesses may have splices that were insufficiently compressed by the supplier. Poor electrical connections can cause erroneous signals to be sent to the powertrain control module and affect engine performance.

The defect may result in an engine malfunction indicator light, reduced engine power, hesitation or stalling, Ford said.

Affected vehicles include 2013-2014 Ford Focus ST models with 2-liter engine built at Michigan Assembly Plant Feb. 14, 2012-Oct. 14, 2013, and some 2013-2014 Escapes with 2-liter engine built Oct. 5, 2011-April 1, 2013 at the Louisville Assembly Plant. About 133,000 of the recalled vehicles are in the U.S., 25,400 are in Canada and 789 are in Mexico.

Ford also issued three additional recalls:

• 1,300 2015 Ford Transits were recalled due to a potential brake fluid leak at the joint between the rear brake hose and brake caliper.

• About 600 2015 Ford Transit cargo vans were recalled due to a potential issue with windowless sliding doors. The doors were assembled without an epoxy reinforcement, making them more likely to come unlatched during side-impact crashes. No accidents or injuries have been attributed to this condition.

• Nearly 1,300 2015 Lincoln MKC crossovers. Some may have windshields that may not meet federal requirements specifying that no bubbles or other defects are allowed in the glass. The problem can worsen when the glass gets hot.

Sources: Detroit News, Automotive News