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.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
BF @ Dec 18th 2005 10:25PM
Found On Road Dead -- FORD
rc51 @ Dec 18th 2005 10:25PM
FORD Fix Or Repair Daily
FORD Fire Obliterated Raze Destroyed
iQuack @ Dec 18th 2005 10:25PM
Fix Or Repair Daily = FORD!
WillDaThrill @ Dec 18th 2005 10:25PM
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.
BF @ Dec 18th 2005 10:25PM
Fire Or Really Dangerous -- FORD
WillDaThrill @ Dec 18th 2005 10:25PM
"TI had no say," is what I meant.
iQuack @ Dec 18th 2005 10:25PM
Ford Originates Ratty Dreck = FORD
Canyonero @ Dec 18th 2005 10:25PM
Unexplained fires are a matter for the courts...
Paul @ Dec 18th 2005 10:25PM
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.
april folsom @ Dec 18th 2005 10:25PM
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.
Todd Peterson @ Dec 18th 2005 10:25PM
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 !!.
DELICIA DAWN LEWIS @ Apr 1st 2008 4:57PM
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.