Filed under: SUVs, Trucks/Pickups
Ford cruise-control switch suspected in another fatal fire
When a fire ripped through a home in January 2004 and killed a 4-year-old girl, no one at the time suspected that the 2001 F-150 Super Crew parked inside the attached garage was at fault, and the case was closed with the cause of fire listed as "undetermined". A year later, Ford announced a recall that covered cruise-control switch fires and would have included this vehicle. The girl's family has responded with a wrongful-death lawsuit, which we believe is the second of its type filed due to fatal house fires allegedly caused by the defective switch. This one may face a fierce battle, since the truck has been scrapped and crushed and thus crucial evidence has probably been destroyed. NHTSA continues to investigate Ford vehicles equipped with such switches, and the probe has now opened to cover 3.7 million F-150s, Expeditions, and Navigators from 1994-2001.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
BF 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Found On Road Dead -- FORD
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rc51 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
FORD Fix Or Repair Daily
FORD Fire Obliterated Raze Destroyed
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iQuack 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Fix Or Repair Daily = FORD!
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WillDaThrill 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Now this is a perfect example of why Ford should pay. Like I said previously, if the problem was found in the Texas Instruments sensor, then Ford should sue TI. That would be a fierce battle though because TI probably had say as to where or what position the sensor would be installed. I'm sure Ford will find enough loop-holes in which to recover some damages though.
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BF 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Fire Or Really Dangerous -- FORD
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WillDaThrill 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
"TI had no say," is what I meant.
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iQuack 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Ford Originates Ratty Dreck = FORD
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Canyonero 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Unexplained fires are a matter for the courts...
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Paul 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
what a joke. why on earth would anyone buy an american made product. a nation of lawyers and accountants can't compete in the international market.
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april folsom 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
just wanted to let people know it happened to me and my husband on nov 26,2004 the truck caught fire and burned my house plus my car. we barely got out of the house. our 6yr old daughter still had nightmares about the fire. we lost everything.
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Todd Peterson 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
This issue caused my engine wiring harness plug to melt. Almost was a fire victim. Ford replaced the switch at my cost. But not the harness which is $2800. Thanks Ford!!! Tell my 2 month old new son who frequently rode in this vehicle.
Appreciate your quality !!.
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DELICIA DAWN LEWIS 4:57PM (4/01/2008)
It is a matter of the courts you say this on 12-18-05 well the courts take a long time, since your statement more people have died. Not only died, but burned a horrible death.