Ford recalls 3.6 million vehicles due to faulty cruise control switch

Deactivation switch could short circuit, cause fire

08/11/07

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On August 3, 2007, Ford Motor Company announced a recall of 3.6 million vehicles because a cruise control switch has been associated with fires. While the company said none of the vehicles involved in the recall is associated with an abnormal number of fires, the recall is intended to address customer concerns about the switch.

The switch in question shuts off the cruise control feature, a system that automatically controls the speed of an automobile, when the driver firmly applies pressure to the brakes. Located under the hood of the vehicle, the cruise control deactivation switch is attached to the brake master cylinder and is wired to the cruise control.

Even when the vehicle is turned off, the switch is powered. Earlier recalls were linked to reported instances of fluid leaking onto the switch, causing it to short circuit and catch fire.

Ford vehicles affected by the recall are:

  • 1993 Ford Bronco
  • 1992-1998 Ford Crown Victoria
  • 1992-1993, 1997-2002 Ford E150
  • 1992-1993, 1997-2002 Ford E250
  • 1992-1993, 1997-2003 Ford E350
  • 2003 Ford E450
  • 1991-2001 Ford Explorer
  • 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  • 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  • 2003-2004 Ford F150 Lightning
  • 1993 Ford F150
  • 1993 Ford F250
  • 1993 Ford F350
  • 1995-2002 Ford F450
  • 1995-2002 Ford F53
  • 1993-1995 Ford Taurus SHO
  • 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
  • 1992-1998 Lincoln Town Car
  • 1994 Mercury Capri
  • 1992-1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  • 1999-2001 Mercury Mountaineer

Ford announced the recall will begin August 13, 2007.

This is Ford’s sixth recall since 1999, involving more than 10.3 million vehicles overall. All of the recalls have been associated with cruise control-related problems.

Sources: “Ford recalls 3.6 million vehicles,” CNNMoney.com, August 6, 2007; “Ford recalling 3.6 million vehicles,” ABCNews.com, August 3, 2007.

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