Ford Fire Claims - Cruise Control

Ford fires caused Ford Motor Co. to issue a recall affecting almost 800,000 vehicles in January 2005. This recall was sparked by a growing number of engine compartment fires in certain year model F-Series Super Crews, Expeditions, Navigators and F-150 pickups.

Spontaneous Ford fires can be linked to a cruise control switch that is designed to have a power supply, even at times when the vehicle is turned off and the key removed. The switch was designed to shut off the cruise control once the brake is applied. Located under the hood, its position places it above flammable reservoirs of brake fluid. Ford fires can occur when the film cracks and brake fluid drains into the electrical side of the switch. Most of these fires have occurred at times when the vehicle was turned off and the owner or driver was not present. These circumstances result in significant property damage, sometimes extending to other vehicles and nearby structures.  Many of the Ford owners whose vehicles ignited, have also lost their homes.

Signs you may have cruise-control problems that could lead to Ford fires includes: Cruise control is not working properly, leaking break fluid around switch, blown fuses near the switch, and unable to open the cruise control fuse.

A 2005 investigation by CNN uncovered a Ford document that indicated that the same or a similar switch to those believed to be responsible for these fires was actually installed in about 16 million vehicles, many of which were not recalled.

The vehicles beyond the 2005 recall believed to have the same or similar switch as those included in the 2005 recall are:

• Mark VII/VIII (1994-1998)
• Taurus/Sable and Taurus SHO 2.3 L (1993-1995)
• Econoline (1992-2003)
• F-Series (1993-2003)
• Windstar (1994-2003)
• Explorer without IVD (1995-2003)
• Explorer Sport/Sport Trac (2002-2003
• Expedition (1997-2003)
• Ranger (1995-2003)

On August 3rd, 2007, News broke that Ford motor company has just recalled 3.6 million vehicles for a faulty cruise control switch that is associated with fires in other vehicles. More on this can be seen here at CNN.com

If your recalled vehicle has caught fire, contact your insurance company. Take necessary steps to preserve the physical evidence, which may be needed for claim purposes. Also report the vehicle fire to United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

If you own or if you owned one of these vehicles and you suffered property loss or personal injury as a result of a fire in your Ford vehicle, and would like us to provide a free evaluation of your potential claim against Ford, please contact us toll-free at 1(800) 779-4950. Or, if you prefer, email us at Info@Ogletreeabbott.com and we will contact you right away about your possible Ford fire claim.