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Engine Fire Hazard and Power Steering Concerns Affect Millions of Vehicles
Ford Motor Co. recalled 3.8 million pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles for a cruise control switch suspected of causing engine fires. It is the fifth-largest auto industry recall in U.S. history.
Ford said the recall of 1994-2002 model-year vehicles includes the company's hot-selling F-150 pickup truck, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator and Ford Bronco. The company said it would start sending recall notices to vehicle owners immediately.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the No. 2 U.S.-based automaker have been investigating complaints of engine fires linked to the switch.
In the Ford case, NHTSA has received more than 550 complaints of engine fires from the cruise control switch. There have been allegations of three deaths in cases cited in news reports or lawsuits in Iowa, Georgia and Arkansas.
Ford said its inquiry found that brake fluid could leak through the cruise control's deactivation switch into the system's electrical components, leading to potential corrosion. The corrosion could lead to a buildup of electrical current that could cause overheating and fire.
Lincoln Navigator Recall Information
NEWS: Cruise control switch short circuit
Production delays hamper Ford recall
Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday that replacement parts used in its recall of 3.8 million pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles would not be available until February because of production delays. In September, the automaker recalled 1994-2002 model-year vehicles amid complaints of engine fires linked to the cruise control switch system. The recall covered the F-150 pickup, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator and Ford Bronco.
