Jay Stark
08-08-2003, 12:24 PM
Associated Press
Aug. 8, 2003 09:40 AM
Special report
• Fiery crashes of Ford Victorias
WASHINGTON - Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 30,000 Crown Victoria police cars and taxis because of a wheel defect, the federal government said Friday.
The announcement came just one day after Ford said it would offer fire-suppression technology in 2005 for Crown Victoria police cars, which have been criticized because of gas tank explosions in some rear-end collisions.
The National Highway Traffic Safety administration also said Ford is recalling more than 1.5 million Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers made between 1998 and 2001 because a bolt could fracture in the seat backs. Ford also is recalling a smaller number of the same vehicles because of a problem with speed control cables.
A Ford spokesman was not immediately available for comment Friday.
NHTSA said on certain 2003 Crown Victoria and Crown Victoria Police Interceptors that are equipped with steel wheels, some of the wheels may develop cracks in the rim. The cracks could ultimately lead to rapid air loss from the tire.
Dealers will replace wheels that were manufactured between Aug. 18, 2001, and Sept. 22, 2002, NHTSA said.
Aug. 8, 2003 09:40 AM
Special report
• Fiery crashes of Ford Victorias
WASHINGTON - Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 30,000 Crown Victoria police cars and taxis because of a wheel defect, the federal government said Friday.
The announcement came just one day after Ford said it would offer fire-suppression technology in 2005 for Crown Victoria police cars, which have been criticized because of gas tank explosions in some rear-end collisions.
The National Highway Traffic Safety administration also said Ford is recalling more than 1.5 million Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers made between 1998 and 2001 because a bolt could fracture in the seat backs. Ford also is recalling a smaller number of the same vehicles because of a problem with speed control cables.
A Ford spokesman was not immediately available for comment Friday.
NHTSA said on certain 2003 Crown Victoria and Crown Victoria Police Interceptors that are equipped with steel wheels, some of the wheels may develop cracks in the rim. The cracks could ultimately lead to rapid air loss from the tire.
Dealers will replace wheels that were manufactured between Aug. 18, 2001, and Sept. 22, 2002, NHTSA said.