Recalled Ford SUV Bursts Into Flames

-KRGV

11/19/2009 - A Donna family says they're left stranded. They're SUV caught fire and they claim they never knew about a recall that might have prevented it.

The family says the car was bought used. They never got Ford's recall notice.

The 1999 Ford Expedition was sitting in this driveway. It burst into flames. Part of Blanca Villasenor's home caught fire, too. "At 2:30 in the morning something popped and he heard something really loud and so he peaked out and through the window saw the truck on fire," says Villasenor.

The family quickly called 911. The fire department saved their house, not the s-u-v.

Villasenor says, "My husband called the 1-800 number for the Ford company to speak to somebody. They asked him a lot of questions about the vehicle and that's when they told us it was recalled."

Ford recalled this model, along with several others, a decade ago. The vehicle's cruise control switches can start a fire even when the car is turned off.

Villasenor says she doesn't remember seeing any notices. She bought the car used in 2004. She says, "They just asked me for my address and gave them my address and they said it was confirmed that I received recalled notices and I never did."

Ford tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS notices go out to anyone who owns a Ford even if it's purchased second hand. Wes Sherwood with the Ford Motor Company says, "The auto industry is unique. We have an additional opportunity although it's through considerable effort and expense. We're able to track down customers based on current state DMV's or other authorities to get addresses, whether it's a second or third owner of the vehicle, send them information directly about the recall."

It looks, at least for now, the family's out of luck. Villasenor only carried liability insurance. This accident isn't covered.

Villasenor says, "We usually go to church on the weekends and we can't even go to get groceries. I have a big family and I have five kids." Now she's left wondering when she and her children will be able to travel together again.

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.