Safety inquiry targets Ford, Mazda SUVs

DETROIT -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday it is investigating complaints that throttles can stick on older-model Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute sport utility vehicles and cause them to crash.

The investigation affects 730,000 vehicles from the 2001 to 2004 model years that are powered by V-6 engines. The agency said it has received 99 complaints alleging 13 crashes, nine injuries, and one death caused by the problem.