WASHINGTON — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it has launched a preliminary investigation into complaints of engine compartment fires in 1995-2003 Ford Windstar minivans. If the investigation leads to a recall, it could involve as many as 1.7 million vehicles, according to the federal government.
NHTSA said it has received 130 complaints alleging such incidents, including two that said the fires caused structural damage to homes. "Review of the complaints shows that 65 allege that the speed control deactivation switch caused the fire and in four of those it is alleged that the [switch] leaked brake fluid onto the ABS module, resulting in the fire," according to NHTSA's defects investigations summary posted on its Web site.
The minivans have the same cruise control switch that triggered Ford to recall 10 million cars and trucks earlier this year after that switch was linked to fires.
NHTSA said it will look into the cause of the fires and determine whether a recall is necessary.
What this means to you: Sit tight if you own one of the aforementioned vehicles and wait for further word from the federal government. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
NHTSA said it has received 130 complaints alleging such incidents, including two that said the fires caused structural damage to homes. "Review of the complaints shows that 65 allege that the speed control deactivation switch caused the fire and in four of those it is alleged that the [switch] leaked brake fluid onto the ABS module, resulting in the fire," according to NHTSA's defects investigations summary posted on its Web site.
The minivans have the same cruise control switch that triggered Ford to recall 10 million cars and trucks earlier this year after that switch was linked to fires.
NHTSA said it will look into the cause of the fires and determine whether a recall is necessary.
What this means to you: Sit tight if you own one of the aforementioned vehicles and wait for further word from the federal government. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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