Ford Inferno Hits Minnesota, California

                                                                                         

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is warning Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury owners due to faulty cruise control switches that has produced terrible fires in Minnesota and California. The Dearborn-based automaker, meanwhile, is in the process of re-notifying owners of the sport utilities and other light trucks concerning the significance of having the switch disconnected.

"Failure to have the switch disconnected could lead to a vehicle fire at any time, whether or not the key is in the ignition, and whether or not owners use the cruise control system," warned the federal safety agency in the consumer advisory.

NHTSA said the fire danger is present regardless of the age of the vehicle and could even occur while the vehicle is parked and unattended. As such, many dealers will perform a short-term fix as a “drive-through” service so owners do not have to leave their vehicles at the dealership or schedule an appointment in advance, the federal agency continued.

In January, Ford inferno hit a homeowner in Chisago City, Minnesota when her 2000 Expedition “started on fire parked in our attached garage. We have now lost everything we owned. The home we built not even two years ago burned to the ground,” wrote the SUV owner.

Neighbors of the affected homeowners find ways to help their friends. "Rob and Gina's house burned," the neighbor wrote to friends. "Fortunately, they got out of the house with their two daughters. The fire is being investigated, but it started in Gina's truck. Rob opened up the mudroom door and the entire car was engulfed in flames. Everything, including both their cars was torched. This will be a hard time for the children and for Rob and Gina. I am hoping we can get together and help their kids.”

On January 22, while the Minnesota fire is still under investigation, a Ford truck went up in flames in Westminster, California. No other damage was reported. The California Ford owner had parked his truck in the driveway following a brief 20-minute drive, reported Consumer Affairs.

“Approximately one hour later, about 3:30 in the afternoon, the engine compartment was on fire and became engulfed within minutes,” the truck owner said. “The origin of the fire was on the driver's side of the vehicle near and around the master cylinder,” the fire department told him.

Separately, Ford issued a recall on 470,000 Mustangs this week due to safety concerns surrounding the deployment of passenger side air bags. The recall includes 2005 to 2008 Mustang models.

The recall was issued due to the possibility that the air bag could injure an unbelted passenger, according to Cleveland Dealer. No injuries were reported however, Ford is taking preventive steps to recalibrate the force of the air bag. The Dearborn automaker also is checking other Ford Mustang parts to ensure safety.

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Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.


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