Ford Sales and Service Korea, the local importer and distributor of U.S. automaker Ford Motor Co., will voluntarily recall certain models of its small sport utility vehicle the Escape to fix sticking gas pedals that could cause crashes, the Seoul government said Monday.

Subject to the recall, starting from Tuesday, are 687 units manufactured between April 19, 2001 and Dec. 12, 2004, according to the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs.

The cruise control cables in the vehicles can get stuck on the plastic cover atop the engine, causing gas pedals to stick and keep accelerating.

The manufacturing defect is affecting over 480,000 units globally.

Free repair services will be available from Tuesday at any service centers run by the Ford Sales and Service Korea, the ministry said. (Yonhap News)