US: Ford recalls 525000 vehicles for fire, power loss problems

The Detroit News - Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 270,000 Ford Escapes from the 2001-02 model years for a fire risk, and advising owners not to park in their garages until the problem is fixed.

The recall involves 274,368 Escapes due to a problem with an electrical connector in the anti-lock brakes module. The Dearborn-based automaker said Wednesday that parts to correct the problem may not be available for months.

Also Wednesday, Ford recalled 251,065 2004-05 Ford Freestars and Mercury Montereys for possible power loss due to a torque converter malfunction.

The fire-risk recall follows an investigation lasting more than two years by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into fires in some recalled Ford Escapes.

The government says at least 86 fires were reported in Escapes that had been previously recalled and serviced.

Ford said it was calling back the popular SUVs because brake fluid might leak onto an ABS module electrical connector, which in turn could corrode and spark a fire.

The problem dates back to April 2007, when Ford called back 2001-04 Escapes to address potentially missing or misplaced seals in the wiring harness connector to the ABS module electronic control unit. Ford said electrical grease may not have been applied to some of the repaired vehicles, as it had recommended, and the SUVs may not have been properly inspected.

Ford spokesman Daniel Pierce said replacement parts are expected to be available in the second quarter of 2012. "While the reservoir cap that will be used for this repair is already available, other parts necessary to complete the repair are not available yet. We are working closely with our suppliers to accelerate all part availability," he said.

Ford is unaware of any accidents or injuries stemming from the issue, and said it has received a few reports of fire damage to property, beyond vehicles themselves.

Ford has had large recalls for fire issues in recent years.

In August, Ford recalled 1.2 million of its popular trucks in 21 states and Canada because their fuel tanks could fall to the pavement and spark a fire.

The recall covers the 1997-2003 Ford F-150 and includes 1.1 million vehicles in cold-weather states where years of corrosion could break the straps that support the gas tank, allowing it to drag to the pavement and possibly leak, which could lead to fire.

Government safety officials have received 500 complaints, including reports of three fires and one injury, a burn.

In 2010, Ford recalled 4.5 million vehicles for faulty cruise control deactivation switches that were linked to fire risks. The automaker recalled about 14 million vehicles in eight separate recalls over a 10-year period to address the issue. The vehicles had a faulty cruise control disconnect switch that can overheat and burn — potentially causing a vehicle fire long after the engine has been turned off. At least 550 fires were linked to the problem.

In Wednesday's separate torque converter recall, Ford Freestars and Mercury Montereys lose forward and reverse power. The vehicles coast and can be safely maneuvered and parked, Ford said. The NHTSA had investigated torque converter issue since September 2009. Ford insisted it shouldn't have to recall the vehicles, but said it is nonetheless recalling the models "to avoid a protracted dispute with the agency."

Ford is aware of two minor accident allegations — with minor injuries alleged in one, no injury in the other — over eight years. About 450,000 of the 525,000 cars, minivans and SUVs recalled Wednesday are in the U.S.