Ford Explorer Blamed For House Fire Days After Recall Issued

Investigators say the parked car sparked a fire in a garage in Raleigh. The flames spread to the house.

digtriad.com
04/26/2008- Raleigh, NC -- Investigators say a 1998 Ford Explorer was to blame for a house fire in Raleigh early Thursday, less than 48 hours after Ford had issued a recall notice for 9.6 million cars and trucks.

It started at about 2:30 am. The sport utility vehicle's faulty cruise control sparked the fire, which spread from the garage to the house, investigators said.

No one was hurt.

The problem, local experts say, is a $35 switch that can overheat and catch fire. They say it is imperative to have the problem fixed immediately.

Fires begun by Ford cruise-control switches have been reported for several years and have led to recalls. Ford had issued a voluntary recall notice Tuesday for 9.6 million cars and trucks.

This recall includes the following vehicles*:

Trucks: 1997-2002 Expedition 1998-2002 Navigator 2002-2003 Blackwood 1993-1996 Bronco 2000-2003 Excursion (built prior to 11/4/02) 1992-2003 Econoline E-150/250/350 1996-2003 Econoline E450 2002-2003 Econoline E550 1998-2002 Ranger 1998-2001 Explorer/Mountaineer 2001-2002 Explorer Sport (2 door) & Sport Trac 2003-2004 F-150 Lightning 1993-2003 F-Series (Under 8500 lb. GVW) 1993-2003 F-Series (over 8500 lb. GVW) – all plants except Cuautitlan 1994-2003 F-Series (over 8500 lb. GVW) – Cuautitlan built only prior to 1/7/03 1995-2002 F-53 Motorhome Cars: 1992-1998 Town Car 1992-1998 Crown Victoria 1992-1998 Grand Marquis 1993-1998 Mark VIII 1993-1995 Taurus SHO (automatic transmission) 1994 Capri *equipped with speed control. Diesel engine equipped vehicles are excluded from recall. For more information click here.

If you have experienced problems with your Ford, Lincoln or Mercury car, SUV or truck or have experienced a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury car, SUV or truck fire contact the Ford fire lawyers of Ennis & Ennis, P.A. about a Ford fire recall lawsuit. The Ford fire attorney at Ennis & Ennis, P.A. specializes in personal injury and product liability cases. With offices throughout Florida and in Washington DC we are taking cases nationwide. Fill out our free case evaluation form today to find out if you are eligible for compensation.