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Ford Recalls Millions of Vehicles to Fix Fire Danger

Eighth recall of vehicles prone to catch fire when parked and unattended

By Truman Lewis
ConsumerAffairs.com

October 14, 2009
For the eighth time in recent years, Ford Motor Co. is recalling millions of vehicles to fix a faulty cruise control switch that can overheat and start a fire, even when the vehicle is parked and unattended.

The latest in a series of too-little, too-late recalls affects 1.1 million Ford Windstar minivans, model years 1995 through 2003, that could have the problem as well as 3.4 million additional vehicles that have the switch, including Ford Excursions, Explorers and Rangers of various model years, going back as far as 1992.

Ford dealers will install a new fused wiring harness and inspect the ABS control connector when the recall begins on or about Oct. 26, 2009. Owners may contact Ford at 1-888-222-2751.

Not a new problem

One Ford Windstar owner in Rosewood Heights, Illinois reported to ConsumerAffairs.Com that her 1996 minivan caught fire and is a total loss. "It was parked in my driveway beside my house. I was not home at the time of the fire and I had driven the vehicle earlier. When I returned home later in the afternoon all of the windows were black," she said.

“While the data show the majority of the vehicles being recalled do not pose a significant safety risk, we are recalling the vehicles to reassure customers and eliminate any future concerns,” Ford said in a statement.

As many as 1,643,432 Windstars were produced by Ford between 1995 and 2003. They and other vehicles in the latest recall were not not included in earlier massive Ford recalls of vehicles in danger of catching fire because of a faulty cruise control switch.

In 2008, the agency reported receiving 134 consumer complaints of engine compartment fires in the Windstar. The agency also reported that Ford has received 285 complaints of engine compartment fires in the Windstar. The automaker has also responded to 137 warranty claims after engine compartment fires in the minivan, according to the NHTSA Web site.

Homes burned down

NHTSA reported that two Windstar owners alleged vehicle fires spread to their homes causing structural damage.

According to the NHTSA Web site, 36 consumers claimed the Windstar fire occurred while the vehicle was parked. Another 72 consumers said the fire started while their Ford Windstar was running.

"Further review of the complaints shows that 72 allege that the speed control deactivation switch (SCDS) caused the fire and 10 allege that the SCDS leaded brake fluid on the ABS module resulting in the fire," according to the NHTSA Web site.

Ford plans to notify vehicle owners starting at the end of the month. In the meantime, the automaker suggests owners of all the recalled vehicles park outdoors until they are serviced.

NHTSA reports receiving 2,521 complaints due to the switches and 285 fires. NHTSA said one fatality has been linked to a fire potentially prompted by the overheating switches.

Read verbatim consumer complaints about fires in their Ford vehicles.

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