Ford Cruise Control Switch Recall Lawsuit Attorney

If you have been involved in an accident involving a recalled Ford vehicle caused by a vehicle fire, contact the auto defect attorneys Estey & Bomberger for a free consultation. We represent clients injured by defective automobiles throughout California, including victims of vehicle fires caused by defective speed control deactivation switches. To speak with a products liability attorney at Estey & Bomberger about Ford recall lawsuits, or to schedule a free consultation, call (800)925-0723.

What is the Problem?

Ford has a long history of recalls relating to the speed control deactivation switch installed on millions of Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined the vehicles’ cruise control switch (manufactured by Texas Instruments) is a serious fire hazard. Only a thin film barrier separates the electrical powered cruise control switch from flammable fluid of the brake master cylinder. This barrier may corrode over time, and the switch may be powered on even while the vehicle is turned off and the keys have been removed.  In October 2009, Ford announced it would be recalling 4.5 million more vehicles, the eighth recall relating to this defective cruise control switch in recent years. The following is a brief history of some of Ford’s most recent recalls: 

October 2009 Recall (4.5 Million Vehicles)

The latest recall announced in cooperation with the NHTSA on October 13, 2009 (NHTSA Campaign ID #09V399000) included the following Ford and Mercury vehicles:

• 1992-2003 Econoline
• 2000-2003 Excursion Diesel
• 1995-2002 Explorer
• 1993-1997 / 1999-2003  F-Series Super Duty Diesel
• 1994 F53 Motor home
• 1995-1997/2001-2003 Ranger
• 1995-2003 Windstar
• 1997 & 2002 Mercury Mountaineer.

 August 2007 Recall (3.6 Million Vehicles)

In cooperation with the NHTSA (NHTSA Campaign ID #07V336000), Ford announced another recall – this time of about 3.6 million vehicles – in  August 2007. The recall was due to the same problem: potential leakage of the speed control deactivation switch, which could result in fire. The recall included the following vehicles, about 3.6 million total:

• 1993 Bronco
• 1992-1998 Crown Victoria
• 1997-2002 E-150
• 1997-2002 E-250
• 1997-2002 E-350
• 1992-1993, 2003 E150
• 1992-1993, 2003 E250
• 1992-1993, 2003 E350
• 2003 E450
• 1999-2001 Explorer
• 2001-2002 Explorer Sport
• 2001-2002 Explorer Sport Trac
• 2003-2004  F-150 Lightning
• 1993 F150
• 1993 F250
• 1993 F350
• 1993 F450
• 1995-2002 F53 Motor Home
• 1998-2002 Ranger
• 1993-1995 Taurus Sho
• 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
• 1992-1998 Lincoln Town Car
• 1992-1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
• 1999-2001 Mercury Mountaineer.

 March 2007 Recall (155,584 Vehicles)

Ford recalled the following vehicles (NHTSA Campaign ID #07V078000) in March of 2007:

• 2002-2003 E550
• 2003 Excursion
• 2003 F-150
• 2003 F250 Super Duty
• 2003 F350 Super Duty
• 2003 F450 Super Duty
• 2003 F550 Super Duty
• 2003 Lincoln Blackwood.

July 2006 Recall (1.2 Million Vehicles)

With still more concerns of the defective speed control deactivation switch causing vehicle fires, Ford announced another recall in cooperation with the NHTSA (NHTSA Campaign ID #06V286000). This recall included the following vehicles:

• 1994-1996 Club Wagon
• 1994-1996 E-150
• 1994-1996 E-250
• 1994-1996 E-350
• 1996-2002 E-500
• 1994-1996 Econoline
• 2000-2002 Excursion
• 1998 Explorer
• 1994-2002 F250
• 1994-2002 F350
• 1994-2002 F450
• 1994-2002 F550
• 1998 Mercury Mountaineer.

September 2005 Recall (4.5 Million Vehicles)

Again, in cooperation with the NHTSA (NHTSA Campaign ID #05V388000), Ford announced a recall of about 4.6 million vehicles in September 2005. The recall was due to the fire hazards of the speed control deactivation switch, which could result in fire. The recall included the following vehicles, about 4.5 million total:

• 1994-1996 Bronco
• 1997-2002 Expedition
• 1994-2002 F150
• 1994-2002 F250
• 2002 Lincoln Blackwood
• 1998-2002 Lincoln Navigator.

January 2005 Recall (738,490 Vehicles)

Ford recalled the following vehicles in January 2005 over concerns of the speed control deactivation switch causing vehicle fires (NTHSA Campaign ID #05V017000):

• 2000 Expedition
• 2000 F150
• 2001 Supercrew
• 2000 Lincoln Navigator.

  Ford Windstar Vehicle Fires

The most recent recall announced in October 2009 most notably includes the 1995-2003 Ford Windstar minivans. The NHTSA reported receiving 134 consumer complaints regarding Windstar vehicle fires, and Ford reportedly received 285 complaints and 137 warranty claims related to vehicle fires. The NHTSA also said 36 of the complaints they received concerned Windstar vehicle fires that occurred while the vehicle was parked and unattended.  At least one fatality has been linked to overheating switches.

About Estey & Bomberger – Defective Product Attorneys

Estey & Bomberger, LLP has an impressive record of success in litigation involving automobile defects. See our case results and client testimonials for more information.  If you own a vehicle on this list and have suffered serious injury, wrongful death or substantial damages related to a vehicle fire, contact us for a free and confidential consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss your case.

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