Ford recalls 3.8 million pickups, SUVs

Seattle Post-Intelligencer ^ | Sept. 7, 2005 | Ken Thomas

[seacapn]

WASHINGTON -- Ford Motor Co. on Wednesday 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 Broncos. The company said it would start sending out recall notices to vehicle owners immediately.

[Egon]

There was an earlier Ford Truck recall. Is this a different issue?

It sounds like they widened the existing recall from earlier this year. I've got a 2001 F-150, and I received this recall in Jan or Feb of this year. I think then, it was only 2000- 2001, but I could be remembering wrong.

[Spktyr]

Hope you have a fire extinguisher.

[Fierce Allegiance]

Fu@#ed Over Rebuilt Dodge

[Spktyr]

While the saddle tanks weren't a great idea, nobody ever managed to get one to explode or catch fire in tests - except NBC, which used explosives to fake it after they couldn't do it either. Ooops.

[Conspiracy Guy]

I'd rather have a busted Ford than a new GM.

[reagan_fanatic]

Why people continue to buy Fords is beyond me

Actually, I've got a '98 Ford Explorer that I am quite pleased with. It's been a very reliable vehicle so far.

Other than the Mustangs, the Rangers and the F-series trucks, the rest of Ford's line-up really sucks.

[piperpilot]

Anybody know if the Escape SUV is included in the recall? I have a 2002 Escape and absolutely love it.

[blackie]

There is no power in hope.

[Myrddin]

I own a 1999 F-150. Looks like I'll be running it down to the dealer.

[Spktyr]

Enjoy your powerful flaming chunk of truck, then. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when, IMO.

[HEY4QDEMS]

provide for the socialistic union-pandering

You got that right. My uncle is a retired union official from one of the big three.

One of things that the union turns a blind eye to is the industry building plants in Mexico and South America using cheap labor to boost profits which a huge portion goes to American unionized auto workers.

[Clemenza]

Love the Mustang. It's the only Ford product I'd consider.

[blackie]

I haven't been able to break either my '90 4X4 Eddie Bauer Bronco or my '01 F-150 SVT Lightning. ;)

[Myrddin]

I have a 2003 Escape. There is a recall on the accelerator cable. There are also recalls against the cruise control that require a firmware update. That one needs a run to the dealer too. Both vehicles are running just fine, but I don't need surprises on a long trip.

[Conspiracy Guy]

I drive a 02 Ranger Ext Cab Edge for the mileage. But I have a 92 F150 for rough work. The 92 has 200+k without a problem.

[Petronski]

Finally!

[blackie]

You don't get out and about much, do you?

[Alberta's Child]

1994 Explorer -- 275,000 miles.

This vehicle has exceeded my original expectations in every way.

[Niteranger68]

The only real problem Ive had with my 95 F-150 is that the plastic in all of my door latching mechanisms is deteriorating all at once. Should have been made out of metal. I did change the alternator a few weeks back. It's been a great truck.

WD-40 is the most likely culprit. That stuff is murder on plastic parts.

[pikachu]

I own a 1999 F-150. Looks like I'll be running it down to the dealer.

So do I. Last two times I've taken my truck in for service (60K, 75K), I have asked about this reall and been told it does not effect the 1999s. Hmmmmmm.