The Auto Writer

Okay, in deference to my earlier “Largest. Toyota. Recall. Ever.” article, I offer to my readers news about Ford’s biggest recall which easily dwarfs Toyota’s.

Fire Hazard

On Tuesday, Ford announced that the Blue Oval was recalling 4.5 million vehicles to fix a problem with a faulty cruise control deactivation switch manufactured for it by Texas Instruments. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the faulty switch can leak hydraulic fluid, overheat, smoke and then burn, leading to an increased risk for causing a fire even when the ignition is turned off, parked and unattended.

If the recall sounds familiar, it is. This is the eighth recall involving more than sixteen million Ford vehicles that were so equipped. The NHTSA made a point to alert 1.1 million Windstar owners as the risk is elevated for them.

“These hazardous cruise control switches pose a safety risk even while the cruise control is not in use and vehicles are turned off or unattended. I urge consumers to pay attention to this warning and bring the affected models in to have them repaired as soon as possible,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.

Vehicles Named

Ford’s most recent 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

Warning Signs

The NHTSA warned consumers to be on the look out for certain warnings of possible imminent fires, including 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, or not being able to get the vehicle out of park.

All owners of recalled Ford vehicles should immediately make appointments with their dealers and not park their vehicles in garages or near homes until repairs are made.

Source: NHTSA