NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
52 reportsClear category filter175,000 miles · May 22, 2019
SteeringSuspension
THE STEERING COLUMN AND ALL THE PARTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE WERE AFFECTED WHEN THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE CLAMPS THAT SECURE THE BUSHINGS TO THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO LOOSEN. I EXAMINED THE AREA CAREFULLY AND NOTICED THAT BECAUSE THE BOLTS LOOSENED, THE CLAMPS WERE GIVEN TOO MUCH PLAY. WITHIN A SHORT WHILE…
Read full complaint
THE STEERING COLUMN AND ALL THE PARTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE WERE AFFECTED WHEN THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE CLAMPS THAT SECURE THE BUSHINGS TO THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO LOOSEN. I EXAMINED THE AREA CAREFULLY AND NOTICED THAT BECAUSE THE BOLTS LOOSENED, THE CLAMPS WERE GIVEN TOO MUCH PLAY. WITHIN A SHORT WHILE, A MONTH OR TWO, THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AND THE SHIFTER WERE COMPLETELY SECURED BY ONE BROKEN CLAMP THAT HELD ITS PLACE BECAUSE OF THE BUSHINGS AND A LOOSE BOLT. THE OTHER CLAMP WAS ALSO BROKEN BUT WAS LAYING ON THE FLOOR BOARD. IT WASN'T AN EXPENSIVE FIX. I CUSTOMIZED A METAL CLAMP FOR EACH OF THE TWO PLACES THE WENT. THEY ARE THE SAME CLAMPS THE ELECTRICIANS USE TO SECURE CABLES AND WIRES TO THE WALLS AND CEILINGS. I USED THE ONES MADE FROM BRONZE. THEY ARE MORE PLIABLE TO SHAPE FOR AN ALMOST PERFECT FIT. WITH A LITTLE GREASE ABOVE AND BELOW THE BUSHINGS AND ALSO SOME WHERE THE NOW BRONZE CLAMPS HOLD THE BUSHINGS, I BELIEVE THAT THE STEERING COLUMN IS AS SAFE AS CAN BE. ALSO, THE PLASTIC THAT HOLDS THE CABLE THAT IS USED TO ADJUST THE SHIFT INDICATOR NEEDS TO BE MADE OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL. I'LL GET TO THAT SOON.
NHTSA ODI #11209182
200,180 miles · May 5, 2018
Electrical SystemSteeringUnknown Or OtherFire
I GOT IN MY CAR A BATTERY LESS THAN 2 WEEKS OLD WAS ALMOST DEAD NOTHING WAS PLUGGED IN OR ON I DROVE GOT ON THE FREEWAY ABOUT 20 MIN ON FREEWAY CAR STOPS WON'T MOVE MAKES REV NOISE EVENTUALLY STARTS LONG ENOUGH TO STOP AGAIN AT BOTTOM OF FREEWAY EXIT STARTS AGAIN GET IN INTO GAS STATION I SIT IN GAS STATION FOR ABOUT 12 HOURS A…
Read full complaint
I GOT IN MY CAR A BATTERY LESS THAN 2 WEEKS OLD WAS ALMOST DEAD NOTHING WAS PLUGGED IN OR ON I DROVE GOT ON THE FREEWAY ABOUT 20 MIN ON FREEWAY CAR STOPS WON'T MOVE MAKES REV NOISE EVENTUALLY STARTS LONG ENOUGH TO STOP AGAIN AT BOTTOM OF FREEWAY EXIT STARTS AGAIN GET IN INTO GAS STATION I SIT IN GAS STATION FOR ABOUT 12 HOURS ADD 5 QUARTS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID EVENTUALLY CAR WILL LET ME DRIVE ABOUT TWO BLOCKS BUT COME TO FIND OUT I WAS DRIVING WELL ON FIRE RACE TO GET MY DOG AND I OUT CAR CATCHES COMPLETELY ON FIRE FIRE MAN SAYS IT ELECTRIC UNDER HOOD NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS OTHER THAN THE BATTERY AND THE OD OFF LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF I HAD THE CAR ABOUT A MONTH POLICE REPORT NUMBER1702207 OAKLAND CA POLICE DEPARTMENT
NHTSA ODI #11092061
182,000 miles · Feb 23, 2011
SteeringCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 TO 65 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SPUN OUT OF CONTROL FOR SIXTY YARDS. THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING AFTER IT ROLLED ONTO ITS SIDE. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 TO 65 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SPUN OUT OF CONTROL FOR SIXTY YARDS. THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING AFTER IT ROLLED ONTO ITS SIDE. THE POLICE WERE CALLED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE AN INSURANCE AGENT DECLARED IT AS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR WAS THE MANUFACTURER CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 182,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10384137
170,000 miles · Aug 9, 2010
Power TrainSteering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD "SHIMMY AND SHAKE". RECENTLY, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK SO SHE HAD TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE TO KEEP IT STABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. TH…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD "SHIMMY AND SHAKE". RECENTLY, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK SO SHE HAD TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE TO KEEP IT STABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 184,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.
NHTSA ODI #10348273
147,249 miles · Nov 16, 2008
Steering
WENT OVER RAILROAD TRACKS AND SUDDENLY THE FRONT END BEGAN TO JUMP AND SKID ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. WHEN THE CAR GOT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WE LOOKED AT IT, THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY TURNED SIDEWAYS. WE HAD IT TOWED HOME. I CHECKED UNDER THE FRONT END IN THE MORNING AND FOUND A PART OF THE TIE ROD COMPLE…
Read full complaint
WENT OVER RAILROAD TRACKS AND SUDDENLY THE FRONT END BEGAN TO JUMP AND SKID ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. WHEN THE CAR GOT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WE LOOKED AT IT, THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY TURNED SIDEWAYS. WE HAD IT TOWED HOME. I CHECKED UNDER THE FRONT END IN THE MORNING AND FOUND A PART OF THE TIE ROD COMPLETELY BROKEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10248945
136,500 miles · Aug 30, 2007
Electrical SystemSteeringSuspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE EXTREMELY LOUD NOISES AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY, ODOMETER, AND STABILIZER BAR ALL FAILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,500. UPDATED 10/23/07 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10201258
110,000 miles · Aug 3, 2006
Steering
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THE STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIED AT LOW SPEEDS. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 95V053000, REGARDING THE STEERING: LINKAGES: TIE ROD ASSEMBLY. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
NHTSA ODI #10164373
160,000 miles · Nov 18, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteering
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL 95V053000 CONCERNING TIE ROD ASSEMBLY, AND RECALL 95V052000 CONCERNING SERVICE BRAKES; HOSES, LINES, PIPING AND FITTINGS. THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALLS, BUT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS DUE TO VIN. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AT THIS…
Read full complaint
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL 95V053000 CONCERNING TIE ROD ASSEMBLY, AND RECALL 95V052000 CONCERNING SERVICE BRAKES; HOSES, LINES, PIPING AND FITTINGS. THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALLS, BUT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS DUE TO VIN. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AT THIS TIME. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10143125
Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2005
SteeringVehicle Speed Control
1). GAS PEDAL STICKS. 2). PUFFS OF SMOKE COME FROM STEERING COLUMN IN THE AREA OF THE EMERGENCY LIGHT BUTTON. 3). CRUISE CONTROL SHUTS OFF. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10137858
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2004
Steering
WHILE TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT AT LOW SPEEDS VEHICLE SHOOK. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10070867
Official recalls
5Oct 13, 2009
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Nov 28, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A FRONT SWAY BAR LINK CAN FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS.
Nov 3, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET WELDS COULD FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WITH A BROKEN BRACKET WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDER BALL STUD TO DISENGAGE, UNEXPECTEDLY ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL FROM AN OPEN POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL LIFTGATE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS. DEPENDING UPON THE CONDITION OF THE LIFTGATE SHEET METAL IN THE AREA OF THE BRACKET, DEALERS MAY ALSO INSTALL A LARGER REINFORCEMENT.
Mar 15, 1995
IN SOME OF THE VEHICLES, BRAKE TUBES WERE MISROUTED BETWEEN THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT AND RESULTS IN EXCEEDING THE ALLOWABLE STOPPING DISTANCES AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." IN ADDITION, SEALS WITHIN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD BE ABRADED BY THIS CONDITION OVER TIME RESULTING IN AN INTERNAL LEAK AND A FURTHER REDUCTION IN BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: STOPPING DISTANCES COULD BE LONGER THAN INTENDED RESULTING IN INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE BRAKE TUBES.
Mar 15, 1995
THE INNER TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND CAN FRACTURE CAUSING SHAKING OR SHIMMY AT LOW SPEEDS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE WHEEL ON THE SIDE WITH THE BROKEN TIE ROD TO TUCK INWARD OR OUTWARD AND SLIDE RESULTING IN AN INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INNER TIE RODS AND REPLACE THE SUSPECT TIE RODS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
6EA02011 · Safety Belt Assembly Failure
Opened Jul 2, 2002 · Closed May 21, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
ODI RECEIVED 18 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FORD IDENTIFIED ANOTHER FOUR REPORTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS INDICATE INABILITY TO LATCH THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAUSED BY A BROKEN LATCH RELEASE SPRING.NONE OF THESE 22 REPORTS RESULTED IN ANY INJURIES OR CRASHES.NO COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS.FORD CONDUCTED LIFE-CYCLE TESTING ON 6 FIELD SAMPLE BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES.THE RESULTS OF THAT TESTING DEMONSTRATED THAT THE TESTED BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES COULD BE EXPECTED TO OPERATE PROPERLY BEYOND THE EXPECTED LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.BASED ON THE LIMITED NUMBER OF REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS RECEIVED, AND A DECLINING COMPLAINT TREND, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXIST DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PE02007 · Safety Belt Assembly
Opened Jan 23, 2002 · Closed Jul 2, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
No summary supplied.
PE00039 · Front Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link
Opened Sep 20, 2000 · Closed Nov 30, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
PE99068 · Accelerator Pedal
Opened Nov 1, 1999 · Closed Mar 9, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
RQ99016 · Liftgate Support Bracket Failure
Opened Jul 29, 1999 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Structure
SUMMARY:ON AUGUST 22, 1995, FORD CONDUCTED SAFETY RECALL, 95V-164, ON 1992 AND 1993 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER DUE TO LIFTGATE FAILURES.THE REAR LIFTGATE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER BRACKET CAN BECOME UNATTACHED ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO SUDDENLY DROP.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THE BRACKETS.FORD ALSO INITIATED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN IN OCTOBER 1995, FOR 1991-1995 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER VEHICLES WHICH WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, TO INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THOSE BRACKET THAT WERE FOUND TO BE LOOSE OR DETACHED.THIS CAMPAIGN ENDED IN OCTOBER 1996. SINCE NOVEMBER 1996, ODI HAS RECEIVED 51 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING LIFTGATE FAILURES CAUSED BY THE BRACKET SEPARATION, OF WHICH 19 REPORTED THE LIFTGATE STRUCK THE OCCUPANT CAUSING 12 INJURIES.ONE COMPLAINT WAS ON 1992 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE, THREE COMPLAINTS WERE ON 1993 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES, AND 47 COMPLAINTS WERE ON 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. THIS RQ IS TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE AND THE SCOPE OF SAFETY RECALL 95V-164.FORD AND MAZDA ARE CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN UNDER RECALL NUMBER 99V-310.001/.002.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure
SUMMARY:ON AUGUST 22, 1995, FORD CONDUCTED SAFETY RECALL, 95V-164, ON 1992 AND 1993 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER DUE TO LIFTGATE FAILURES.THE REAR LIFTGATE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER BRACKET CAN BECOME UNATTACHED ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO SUDDENLY DROP.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THE BRACKETS.FORD ALSO INITIATED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN IN OCTOBER 1995, FOR 1991-1995 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER VEHICLES WHICH WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, TO INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THOSE BRACKET THAT WERE FOUND TO BE LOOSE OR DETACHED.THIS CAMPAIGN ENDED IN OCTOBER 1996. SINCE NOVEMBER 1996, ODI HAS RECEIVED 51 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING LIFTGATE FAILURES CAUSED BY THE BRACKET SEPARATION, OF WHICH 19 REPORTED THE LIFTGATE STRUCK THE OCCUPANT CAUSING 12 INJURIES.ONE COMPLAINT WAS ON 1992 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE, THREE COMPLAINTS WERE ON 1993 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES, AND 47 COMPLAINTS WERE ON 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. THIS RQ IS TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE AND THE SCOPE OF SAFETY RECALL 95V-164.FORD AND MAZDA ARE CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN UNDER RECALL NUMBER 99V-310.001/.002.
Structure
SUMMARY:ON AUGUST 22, 1995, FORD CONDUCTED SAFETY RECALL, 95V-164, ON 1992 AND 1993 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER DUE TO LIFTGATE FAILURES.THE REAR LIFTGATE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER BRACKET CAN BECOME UNATTACHED ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO SUDDENLY DROP.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THE BRACKETS.FORD ALSO INITIATED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN IN OCTOBER 1995, FOR 1991-1995 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER VEHICLES WHICH WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, TO INSTALL REINFORCEMENTS ON THOSE BRACKET THAT WERE FOUND TO BE LOOSE OR DETACHED.THIS CAMPAIGN ENDED IN OCTOBER 1996. SINCE NOVEMBER 1996, ODI HAS RECEIVED 51 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING LIFTGATE FAILURES CAUSED BY THE BRACKET SEPARATION, OF WHICH 19 REPORTED THE LIFTGATE STRUCK THE OCCUPANT CAUSING 12 INJURIES.ONE COMPLAINT WAS ON 1992 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE, THREE COMPLAINTS WERE ON 1993 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES, AND 47 COMPLAINTS WERE ON 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. THIS RQ IS TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE AND THE SCOPE OF SAFETY RECALL 95V-164.FORD AND MAZDA ARE CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN UNDER RECALL NUMBER 99V-310.001/.002.
PE97010 · Electrical Fire In Center Console
Opened Mar 13, 1997 · Closed Sep 4, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
THIS INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT CONSOLE FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MOST OFTEN OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE LAMP OUTAGE MODULE (LOM), WHICH IS PART OF THE MESSAGE CENTER, WERE TOWING A TRAILER AND WHICH HAD BEEN MODIFIED BY ADDING AN AFTERMARKET TRAILER WIRING HARNESS INTO THE VEHICLE'S TAILLIGHT CIRCUITS.THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES NEVER AND MORE THAN OTHER TRAILER LIGHT BULB TO ONE CIRCUIT HOWEVER TRAILERS FREQUENTLY CONTAIN SEVERAL BULBS.THE RESULTING EXCESS CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE LOM COULD CAUSE IT TO OVERHEAT RESULTING IN A FIRE.PROPER AFTERMARKET INSTALLATION OF TRAILER WIRING REQUIRES THE USE OF A BYPASS MODULE, WHICH OBTAINS POWER FOR THE TRAILER LIGHTS DIRECTLY FROM THE BATTERY RATHER THAN FROM THE VEHICLE'S TAIL LIGHT AND STOP LAMP CIRCUITS, OR THE USE OF THE MANUFACTURER'S WIRING HARNESS.IN A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 2, 1997, FORD NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT INTENDS TO TAKE ACTION TO PRECLUDE FURTHER INCIDENTS INCLUDING ISSUING A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO ITS DEALERS, NOTIFYING TRAILER RENTAL ASSOCIATIONS AND AGENCIES WHERE KNOWN, AND ADVISING OWNERS BY LETTER OF THE PROPER METHOD FOR CONNECTION OF TRAILER TOW WIRING ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE WAS NO DEFECT TREND IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IDENTIFIED AS A RESULT OF THIS INVESTIGATION, AND FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT WARRANTED TO CONTINUE THE INVESTIGATION.
Illustration