Ford Motor Co. said Friday it is recalling about 474,000 Ford Escape sport utility vehicles worldwide because of an accelerator problem that can cause the engine to race.

The automaker said it does not know of any accidents or injuries related to the problem.

The recalled vehicles are from model years 2002 to 2004, and the vast majority are in the United States, Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley said.

In some cases, Kinley said, a liner over the accelerator cable may prevent the engine from returning to idle. Owners will be notified by Ford and can have the cable replaced at no cost.