Ford SUV catches fire, more recalls made

-WINK News

10/19/2009 - NAPLES, Fla. - Millions of Ford vehicles were recalled this week for fire danger. One Naples man knows firsthand what can happen if the problem isn't fixed.

Jose Sosa's SUV caught fire while it was parked in his driveway. He said it was part of a recall last June, but didn't know about it.

Ford said four and a half million vehicles could potentially burst into flames without warning.

"I think that Ford should be held liable for what's going on with the cars," Sosa said.

The automaker said the problem starts when the vehicle is turned off. That's when the cruise control can leak a hot, flammable fluid - which may lead to a fire. It's exactly what happened to Jose Sosa's 2002 Ford Expedition.

"I thought I could put it out and when I came out to grab the hose, I opened the garage and it was 10 foot flames, so we just kind of grabbed the kids, called 911, and ran outside to the corner."

He said the SUV burned for half an hour, damaging another car in the driveway and nearby landscaping. Sosa said he didn't even know his vehicle was part of an earlier recall.

"We've never gotten anything in the mail saying that we have to get anything fixed."

The first recall was in June of last year, but more Fords were having the same problem, so this week, millions more were added to the list. The motor company said to park the vehicle outside until instructions are mailed about how to get repairs.

"It's sad that it's still happening and that people are still going through the grief. Thankfully my car was outside."

Ford's Web site says if your car does catch fire because of the faulty cruise control - call your insurance company.

All the local Ford dealers we contacted would not speak with us about the recall.

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 our Ford fire lawyer is taking Ford vehicle fire cases nationwide. Contact our Ford fire attorneys today by filling out our free case evaluation form and find out if you are eligible for compensation.