Ford Motor Co. is recalling 4.5 million vehicles because of a
switch that can overheat and catch fire. It’s the automaker’s
eighth recall in a decade involving the same switch, which has
resulted in the recall of more than 14 million vehicles.
By Jewel Gopwani, Detroit Free Press
Ford Motor Co. is recalling 4.5 million vehicles because of a switch that can overheat and catch fire. It’s the automaker’s eighth recall in a decade involving the same switch, which has resulted in the recall of more than 14 million vehicles.
Ford is recalling 1.1 million Ford Windstar minivans, with the model years 1995 through 2003, which could have the problem. The automaker also is recalling 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.
“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.
The switch, made by a former business unit of Texas Instruments, is used to disengage the vehicle’s cruise control. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the switch poses a risk because it could leak fluid, which can reach the antilock brake system and start to burn, potentially prompting a fire even when the vehicle isn’t running.
In a statement, Texas Instruments said, “The switch is only one component of Ford’s cruise control deactivation switch system and is not the root cause of the fires.”
Before Tuesday’s recall, Ford’s previous recalls stemming from the cruise control switch already ranked as the nation’s largest automotive recall. It also tops Toyota’s recall last month of 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles because of floor mats that can stick under the accelerator pedal and cause sudden acceleration.
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.
Since the first of these recalls were issued in 1999, NHTSA reports 2,521 complaints because of the switches and 285 fires. NHTSA said one fatality has been linked to a fire potentially prompted by the overheating switches.
“We are aware of a few allegations related to fatalities related to the switch fires. But none that have been confirmed at this point,” said Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood.
The recall comes at a time when Ford is strengthening its reputation for quality for its new vehicles.
“This won’t help,” said David Champion, director of automobile testing at Consumer Reports. “But I don’t think it’s going to be a big dent in the perception people have of Ford.”
