Ford Recalls 8.7 Million Vehicles

04/26/96

Reuters reported that Ford announced they will recall 8.7 million vehicles that were built between 1988 and early 1993. The recall targets potentially faulty ignition switches that can short out and cause fires in the steering column, even if a vehicle is parked and turned off. The faulty switches were installed in Ford and Lincoln-Mercury cars and trucks, and have been under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Vehicles involved in the recall include the Mustang, Tempo/Topaz, Thunderbird/Cougar, Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Car, Aerostar and Bronco/F-Series light trucks. Federal and Company records show that about 880 vehicle owners have reported problems with the switches.

Last November Ford agreed to recall 248,000 cars and trucks in Canada after reports of 260 fires. Earlier this month Ford rejected the idea of a recall in the U.S., saying the percentage of problems reported didn't warrant it. The 8.5 million vehicle recall announced Thursday is the biggest in Ford's history, and will cost the automaker about $100 per vehicle. Critics say the recall is not extensive enough, because the same switch went into all Ford vehicles made between 1988 and 1993.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel