Ford has recalled more than 3.8 million trucks and SUVs after thousands of fires have been allegedly caused by a defective cruise control switch. The fires have occurred in vehicles from 1994 until 2002. Consumers have relayed horror stories of their truck engulfed in flames while sitting in the driveway.
The recalled Ford vehicles include:
Ford F-150 Trucks (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
Ford Expedition SUVs (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
Lincoln Navigator SUVs (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
Ford Bronco SUVs with factory installed cruise control (1994, 1995, 1996)
The $20 cruise control deactivation switch shuts off the cruise control when the driver firmly steps on the brakes. It is located under the hood of the vehicle and is attached to the brake master cylinder. The Ford Motor automobile company designed the switch to be powered or "hot" at all times, even when the vehicle is off and the key is removed from the ignition. Inside the switch, a thin film barrier separates brake fluid from the switch's electrical components. Investigators say fires can occur when the film cracks and brake fluid from the master cylinder seeps into the electrical side of the switch.
Ford Fires In the News
OCT-18-07: Another class action lawsuit has been filed against Ford. This time a Virginia man is claiming that his 2000 Ford F-150 was destroyed because of a faulty cruise control switch. The man alleges that Ford has declined to offer any assistance after the fire. [
RECORD: CRUISE CONTROL FIRE]
A federal class action lawsuit has been filed against Ford claiming certain vehicles are defective and unsafe. The lawsuit claims the speed control deactivation switch can cause fires because it is located in a circuit that is always energized with electricity even when the vehicle is off and in the parked position and the circuitry for the switch does not contain a fused wiring harness that will interrupt the power to the switch if it starts to overheat. (Feb-06-07)
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MADISON RECORD: FORD FEDERAL LAWSUIT]
Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Ford Motor Co. as they recalled 3.8 million vehicles due to a faulty engine switch. Consumers and car owners are filing property-damage lawsuits against Ford in cases where their vehicles and homes burned to the ground due to a small defect. (Sep-08-05)
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DETROIT NEWS]
Ford has already recalled more than 1 million vehicles in two separate recalls to replace the cruise control switch. A Ford document obtained by CNN shows the same or similar switch was installed in a total of 16 million vehicles. (Jun-27-05)
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CNN NEWS]
Register your Ford Fire Case
If you or a loved one has suffered as result of a Ford fire, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible class action lawsuit. Please click the link below to submit your complaint.
