Ford recalling 589 natural gas-powered Crown Victoria cars

September 3, 2002 Washington DC-- AP is reporting that Ford Motor Co. is recalling 598 Crown Victoria cars powered by natural gas because fuel could leak and possibly start a fire.

Ford says the problem is not related to its investigation into gas tank fires and explosions following rear-end collisions in its police car version of the Crown Victoria.

The recall involves 2002 model year fleet cars, such as those sold to government, taxi services and law enforcement. At least 81 are police cars, mostly in Phoenix and Mesa, Ariz.

More than half of the recalled vehicles were sold in California.

Ford spokesman Todd Nissen said natural gas can leak from a connector between two of the five fuel tanks. If the gas was exposed to a spark, it could start a fire.

"It's a pretty remote set of circumstances where this would occur, and it never has resulted in a fire that has been reported to us," Nissen said.

The Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker will contact owners of the recalled vehicles and provide free repairs.