Ford Recalls 4.5 Million Vehicles for Defective Switch

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Consumer Advisory Alert issued on Tuesday, October 13, 2009, warned Ford owners about a fire hazard involving an additional 4.5 million vehicles.

All together, the Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 16 million Ford vehicles, in eight separate safety recalls, due to defective cruise control deactivation switches. These faulty switches were manufactured by Texas Instruments, and installed in Ford vehicles with models produced from 1995-2003.

Even with the Ford vehicle turned off, parked and unattended, hydraulic fluid could leak from the defective cruise control switch, overheat, burn, and cause a vehicle fire. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood urges consumers of the affected recalled vehicles below, to make appointments with their Ford dealers immediately, and have this hazardous cruise control switch repaired.

Tuesday's recall involves a total of approximately 4.5 million vehicles, including:

• 1995-2003 model year Ford Windstars
• 2000-2003 model year Ford Excursion diesels
• 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 Ford F-Super Duty diesels
• 1992-2003 Ford Econolines
• 1995-2002 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers
• 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Ford Rangers
• And 1994 Ford F53 motorhomes

The NHTSA warned Ford consumers to be on the lookout for possible imminent fires:

• Cruise control systems that stop working or can’t be activated.
• Brake lights that stop working.
• Brake lights and ABS warning lights illuminating on the dash board.
• Not being able to get the vehicle out of park.

If You Have a Ford Vehicle:

• Check the models and dates above to determine whether or not your vehicle is affected by the recall.
• Do not park affected vehicles in garages or near homes until repairs are made.
• Make appointments immediately.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - nhtsa.gov

Written by Donna Diegel
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