While I can't wait for EV to become mainstream so that I can sock it to the oil tycoons and the terrorists that are funded by petrodollars, I wouldn't say that truck and suv will never recover from previous levels. Larger vehicle will recover if they become efficient enough. If Phoenix Motors could have brought their product to market faster, they would sell tons of their SUV. Larger cars will always be a status symbol but they must be efficient enough to justify it. When solar panels become efficient enough that an array on the roof of a vehicle could give 30-40 miles range per day, a vehicle of any size becomes attractive. Let say that SUV could start getting 40mpg, that's a major threshold for efficiency, and watch if they don't start selling them by the truck load (pun intended). If the issue is battery reliability, why can't batteries be refurbished, like a generator or starter? That would cost less but still justify paying a lot initially for the battery pack. At least until cheaper alternative are available like the Firefly. IMHO

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Electric or not , cars will be powered by hydrogen gas in the futur( next week or later). Hydrogen gas can generate electricity directly in a fuel cell or power directly in a conventional ice engine.

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How can Ford pretend this while all they have are from Magna International and Smith Electric? This is just a PR exercise.
Ford bought diesel engines from Navistar!
Ford is testing fuel cell Focus with Quantum technology!
Ford plans electric vehicles with Manga International and Smith Electric of UK technologies
While GM, Toyoita, Nissan, even Chrysler, are producing their house technologies, Ford is laying on others. How all of this is going to end up? Ford-Navistar dispute is still alive in the memories. Shame!

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Next week or later Gorr? Give it a rest already. Well be using anti-gravity devices back engineered from UFOs before we will be able to afford HFCs!

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I just love it when GM and Ford have press releases to make all sorts of "claims" that never see the light of day. Remember in the early 2000s when GM an Ford were trying to "out claim" each other. GM - we will raise our corporate SUV mileage by XXX. Ford - we will raise our corporate SUV mileage by XXX+1.

http://www.alternet.org/story/16237

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It'll be interesting to see what Ford does as the future unrolls. Back in the EV1 day, they alked about an "electric van" before they eventually bought the Think City car...they tend to be a sit back and see where the cards fall before they make their bets (sometimes to their own detriment).

However they have made a decision about the cards falling on gas prices in the future and are planning accordingly (while GM has the Volt, it hasn't said stuff about shifting manufacturing so bluntly to cars...). So that's good and when gas prices go through the roof they'll profit accordingly.

For the folks that love their trucks, you'll still be able to get them, they'll just comprise a smaller section of the market.

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“The No. 2 U.S. automaker is so far navigating brilliantly through a very dangerous minefield while the fate of its U.S. competitors, General Motors and Chrysler, looks bleaker by the day.” The Detroit Free Press says, “While GM and Chrysler quickly asked for bridge loans in order to keep operating, Ford — thanks to a cash pile it built by borrowing back in 2006 before the credit crunch — said it didn’t need a rescue. At least not right away.
Wow, I love this statement,$ 20 would have saved two lives. Ford Motor Company may not need a rescue, but all the people who’s houses and cars have burned up sure do! Many people have been ‘literally’burned alive by defctive ford products, and the families that were loyal Ford Motor Company consumers, appear to be the last concern on Ford’s list. It goes back to the old saying ” when times get hard you find out who your true friends are”. Ford has not been a very good friend, to me or the other families that have lost loved ones. A Good Friend, or a Good Company would not let the consumer drive around with ticking time bombs under their hood. A good company would own -up to all it’s mistakes financial and structural decisions are one thing, human life is another.
What is the price, the worth of my son Payton? The 22 year old young man in his prime, that was so proud to be driving a Lincoln. This American Car Company, turned it’s back on this typical all American Young man, by failing to recall the car until 7 months after his being burned beyond recognition. Failing in ever aspect of good Customer Relations ( including Scott Monty on twitter). No flowers, No car-replacement, No payment of funeral cost,and then to have the audacity to deny! To hire attorney’s to fight against the families, as if we are the enemy instead of loyal consumers that have lost children. To Ford’s navigating brilliantly through a very dangerous minefield statement, I agree Ford Motor Company did navigate brilliantly during the cruise control switch recall,doing it in stages as to not scare off the consumer. Unfortunate for the poor loyal consumer that’s car burst into flames because the ‘navigator’ failed to acknowledge (SCDS bomb) under the hood.
Payton Tyler Lewis 9-9-94 killed 12-9-06 Rest in Peace my son Momma is hear to plea your case and hopefully save some others their lives.

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Ford could care less about this design flaw and continues to manufacture death traps.
The damage caused by Ford's fire-prone trucks is immense, as our growing collection of complaints demonstrates. Consumers have lost their lives, livelihoods, homes and, of course, their trucks.
Troy of Vidor TX (02/24/09)
On March 3, 2008, while my family and I were going to sleep at approximately 10:30 pm, one of my sons heard a loud pop and looked out a bedroom window to see that our front yard was lit up. My 2001 F-150 was totally engulfed in flames. It had been parked for 6 hours. That night was a very windy night and we fought hard to keep our house from catching fire. It burnt the eaves of our house and melted the inside of the garage door, but luckily the fire department was able to contain the fire. The bumper of my toyota was ruined while I tried to pull the vehicle away from the house. That was definitely a very trying and dramatic experience!!!!!

State Farm Insurance did pay for the truck, but not the damage to our home. They said that the damage to the house would have to be a seperate claim. The repairs still have not been done. Our truck was paid for and we did not receive notice of the faulty cruise control until after it burned down. We did receive one a few weeks later and my wife sent it back to them telling them that it was too late.

Thanks to Ford Motor Company we now have another note with Toyota Financial (definitely not FORD). We absolutely did not want another note. Our goal was to pay off bills, but again thanks to FORD, that is impossible (at least for another 4 years). I have been unemployed for 2 months (like a lot of other people that live in Southeast Texas) and this extra major bill is causing a tremendous hardship and was totally uncalled for.

Ford should have to pay to the hardworking consumers of our great country for such irresponsible actions on their part. We were told that since our truck was more than 4 years old, they were not responsible. That truck had never given us a single minutes trouble at all, and still had many years left before it would have needed major repairs. A motor or transmission would have been minor things compared to the 5 year note that we acquired. If the companies in our country would be held more responsible to the consumers, we would not have to stay in debt nearly as bad, and the economy might would see daylight.
Nathaniel of Petal MS (02/22/09)
my 2001 ford f 150 truck caught on fire while parked and was completely distroyed along with all my tools and business and personal belongings
Tina of Addison IL (02/09/09)
while my mothers ford escape was parked in the garage the neighbor came over screaming call 911 your garage is on fire. well in burnt the the garage that's only 1 year old. burnt the 2001 which is now totaled. the insurance company told her that they won't cover it because it only had liabilty on it. house insurance covered the garage. now she doesn't have a vehicle. lemon law lawyer said there is no case. i don't have any idea what else to do

she's a senior citizen and now doesn't have a vehicle to take herself and my elderly grandmother to all their appointments. or just the freedom that they wait to get when you have raised your family and it's finally your turn in life to do what you please. i really believe that this is ford's fault. so i need to know what else is left for me to do for her. please help me. thank you
Sandra of Highland UT (02/05/09)
Our Ford Van E-250 (1994) burst into flames today. It was parked next to our motorhome. My husband was working out of town and staying in the motorhome. The van had been parked early in the evening approx. 4 feet from the RV. He was awakened by a passer-by at 5am and found the front end in flames. He was able to move the RV and watch the van and its contents go up in flames. The fire dept arrived and was unable to save anything.

No one was hurt except for the vehicle was completely destroyed with inventory and contents in the thousands. My husband will lose what time he spends renting another vehicle and replacing his inventory. The RV was scorched and smoke damage. The fire department did a quick conclusion of unknown origin. Ford has been no help so far, although it has been only a few hours. It sure sounds like the cruise control recall issue. Consumers should be warned.
Sang of San Diego CA (01/28/09)
1999 For Expedition was serviced and parked inside our repair shop over the weekend on November 10, 2007. Sunday night, my 3,000 sq repair shop was completely burnt. Both fire investigator suspected the Ford ignited the fire. They found cruise controll switch only and sent out for test as Ford ask, and could not prove the switch was faulty. So our damage was not recovered as we expected. We are sufffering the resulting loss of our business and equipments.

Our business was servicing neighbor for the last 10 years since I owned, the business was doing over 1 million volume. We lost all the income and property. I am looking for some one may step in to get recovery from Ford.
Michele of Reston VA (01/28/09)
The 2008 Ford Escape my grandparents owned, caught fire in the garage of their home. The car had not been driven for two days. My grandfather smelled smoke, then saw smoke coming into the kitchen, from the garage. When he opened the garage door, he saw a heavy black smoke and flames coming through the grill of the car and shooting out from underneath the car. He went back into the living room and grabbed my grandmother (who just finished chemotherapy for lymphoma) they ran out the front door and just made it to the street when the explosion occurred.

They stood in 25 degree weather in their pajamas and watched their house burn to the ground. They were lucky to escape with their lives, as they had been out of the house less than three minutes when the car exploded and blew up the garage. If the fire in the car had started an hour or so earlier, they would have been sleeping and surely would have perished in the fire.

My grandmother turned 88 years old the day after the fire and my grandfather is 90. They will be married 70 years in August. They lost everything.
David of Columbus MS (01/26/09)
Bought a used F250 April 08 from individual. In Nov 08 truck caught on fire about 5 minutes after I turned it off. Totaled by insurance but still owe several thousand dollars to bank! Then got recall notice in January 09! Too late. Ford needs to pay off the balance I owe on the Ford F250 that is gone!

I am still maing monthly payments on a totaled truck due to fire risk that I did not know about til this month!
Catherine of San Francisco CA (01/24/09)
At 2:30 AM this morning, I awoke to a fire alarm in my fiance's townhouse. The house was consumed with smoke coming from the garage. I called 911 and we learned from the fire department that my 2002 Ford Escape caught fire in the garage. It had been sitting parked in the garage for hours. I am very thankful that the sprinkler system in the garage saved our house, the units next to us as well as our lives.

Water damage to the garage walls and another car. Garage door needs to be replaced and the home's carpets need to be serviced/replaced.
Anthony of Dos Palos CA (01/13/09)
My 1996 F150 4x4 Eddie Bauer pkg. erupted in flames. I parked the truck in our driveway at 330pm. At about 300am a neighbor woke us up and said our truck was on fire. Thank GOD we have cement board siding! or our house would've gone up too. My truck was in great condition, and had only 72000 miles on it. I won't get but 6-7k from insurance for it and it was paid off. This sucks. I don't have the money to buy another vehicle either.
Cheyenne of Knoxville MD (01/12/09)
On January 10,2009 My fiance and I was at home getting ready for bed he was getting ready to get in the shower about 10:30p.m. and I had just put our 15 month old son to bed around 10:00 p.m. When my 4yr old boxer started acting weird he was barking and running back and forth from our front door to our bedroom window so my fiance looked out our bedroom window and seen our 2006 ford expedition on fire he yelled for me and then he went outside to get the vehicle away from our house it was sitting about 3 to 5ft beside our front of our house. He was able to get it away from our house

I vehicle is a complete loss. It it wasnt for our dog the house would have burnt down and my 15 month old son would have been hurt. i had problems with vehicle since about 6 months after I bought it. i was even at ford for smoke coming from under the hood and the smell of burning plastic they just blew it off. They acted like I was just a crazy lady. I think ford need to take responsible for this. Theres so much that could have happen because of this vehicle

My fiance hand was burnt ut not bad. He hurt his shoulder and hit his head while trying to save our house
James of Floral City FL (01/05/09)
I bought a new ford from the dealership in 2005 it was a 2005 ford f150 and in 2007 my $40,000 truck burned in my front yard the fire dept says it was due to the cruise control.Needlss to say I lost my truck that day and nearly lost my house and we never received not one recall notice.Thank god my wife and three kids were not in the truck!!!
Brian of Chicago IL (12/25/08)
My 1998 Ford Windstar Van had electrical fire (wiring harness)which totaled the van according to the fords investigator. I recently put in aprox. 3500.00 in repairs ect.New front end - New muffler sys. New tires.

Burned wiring harness and solenoids - wires ect
Shari of Thibodaux LA (12/23/08)
After seeing the website with people telling about their Ford automobiles that caught on fire, I thought you may be interested in hearing my story. On july 6, 2005 at 2:00 A.M. My daughter Megan (13 years old at the time) and I were on a little trip in Mississippi, while my husband Dean and son Taylor (16) at the time were home and sleeping. My husband was awakened by my neighbors son who had been banging on the window for a few minutes, trying to get my husband to wake up. My husband woke up, to find the neigbor at the window, telling him to get out of the house. He busted in my son's room and got him out and as they both ran out of the back door, the house went up in flames. My Grand Marquise which is a Ford product, caught on fire under our carport at 2:00 A.M. My neighbor heard a horn blowing and thought is was the buglar alarm on the car and when he looked out, there were flames coming from the front of the car.
We lost our car that night, but we also lost our home and everything in it. Our home burned down to the ground and nothing, I mean nothing could be saved.
Ford admitted that it was a faulty cruise control and said that they were taking full liability. We have NEVER recovered anything from Ford still today, December 23, 2008. They have never replace our vehicle, we had to build a new home, they have never paid us anything for that, not the mention that every year on July 6, at 2:00 a.m. my husband and son both wake up screaming, The house is on Fire get out they are both sound asleep and for the last three years at the exact time of the fire, they automatically wake up.
My daughter who has just made 17 years old, has to take sleeping pills every night to help her sleep, because she dreams that her daddy and her brother are dying in a fire. Will Ford get away with this. I hope not. If there is any help or information that you can give me, I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

We lost our car, our home, everything that we owned, nothing could be saved. The fire was so intense that the pipes under our cement slab burst. We lost everything.
John of Modesto CA (12/19/08)
A 2001 for navigator master cylinder caught on fire in the garage of a employee of mine.where my truck was parked in front of the garage.the house caught on fire my truck also was involved.all was a total loss.my employee band his family barely made it out of the fire.my truck and all my tools were destroyed in total about 22000 in damages on my truck alone.the loss of tools and truck my lively hood 20.000 in lost work and time.infinity offered me 300 dollars.the home owners insurance company said my truck isnt covered.
Delicia of Flint TX (12/11/08)

my son was killed burned alive
Michael of Dallas TX (11/14/08)
I was travelling home from Houston, Tx. when my 1998 expedition erupted into flames. when I pulled off the expressway, the locking mechanism shut-down and it took me about three to four minutes to free myself. in the process, I severely damaged my shoulder and knee.I'm due to have surgery on my shoulder in a few weeks. It was a very scary situation. I really feared for my life. the vehicle completely burned up. I've been told that my right arm will never be 100% again. I've taken my vehicle in for a recall once, but evidently that did not remedy the problem.
Alicia of Avenue MD (11/03/08)
I have a 2007 Ford F-150, purchased new in April of 2007. On July 3, 2008, the vechicle was driven to work by my daughter and parked at 6:00 am. At 1:10 p.m. when she went to leave work, she unlocked and opened the door and there were flames coming from the passenger side vent of the dash. Fire department was called and fired was extinguished.

The dash from the radio are over topassnger side is pretty much gone. The front seat, ceiling and middel floor area are completely damaged. The windshield cracked due to heat. A portion of the ouside of the vehicle over the windshield is charred.
Pam of Celebration FL (11/01/08)
2000 excursion burst into flames. Ford did NOTHING to fix situation, Said if ins was involved they didn;t want to hear about it. I have owned mANY Fords before. NEVER AGAIN! I Bought a Chevy Silverado today, I would have considered another Ford had they gave an ounce of sympathy as the cruise control was their fault nOT mine. I paid $42,000 for my excursion and loved it until I realized that Ford really does mean Found on the Road dead,They hould be accountable!

Total Loss!
Alan of Senoia GA (10/20/08)
while i was at work at about 1 in the afternoon i received a call from my wife that our truck (a 1997 ford f-150) had caught fire (while parked in oure driveway for 3 days) because of the speed control. i had recived a recal from ford about it but didnt realy think much about it because i used the truck for work purposes only and had only used the speed control a couple of times. about 2 or 3 weeks later i received another recal form that said youre vehicle will catch fire.

the fire killed the whole garden next to it, and melted part of my sons dirtbike. it warped, melted, and burned everything from the front bumper to the back of the cab. we also noticed that it almost caught the house on fire.
Heather of Dover FL (10/15/08)
On 10/11/08 I was headed to a catering event for 1000 people and my 2001 Ford F350 caught fire under the left side of the engine compartment. We went through 3 fire extinguishers and it was still burning. The fire was so hard to get to that when the fire truck arrived they took a circular saw threw the hood to put the fire out. Thank goodness I was able to recover just about everything and no one was hurt.

I no longer have a truck to pull my trailer. I am waiting on the insurance company to tell me the good or bad news.
Kim of Ridgecrest CA (10/14/08)
I bought a Ford F-150 pick up from a private party in my town about a yr ago.. and he never told me about any recall nor did i even hear of it.

Oct 7 2008 I parked my truck at work at 3:40 pm and by 4:20 pm a code red came across intercom sayin code red in parkin lot and when we went out to see there sat my truck in flames all in the engine
Steve of Lakeway TX (10/07/08)
2003 Eddie Bauer Ford Expedition Up in Flames On the morning of June 23, 2008, we were woken up at 5am by the sound of the horn going off on the 2003 Expedition. It had been parked since 7pm the night before in the driveway. Upon looking outside, the car was engulfed in flames. It burned the garage up, caught fire to a new Toyota Avalon parked next to it, and melted the side view mirror off an Audi parked about 15ft away the heat was so intense.

Today we just got the cause of fire from the investigators at the fire department - CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH! And Ford says the recall didn't affect 2003 Expeditions. The fire department found out the car was manufactured at the end of 2002 and sold as a 2003! 2003's Need to be included in the recall for this reason! This fire could have killed us or burned the entire house down before the fire department got there.

Consequences: Loss of work from smoke inhalation, dealing with insurance for the house & car, having the garage rebuilt, friend's car was not covered by the insurance on the Ford nor home owner's insurance, 4 months for everything to be repaired/rebuilt, rental car hassle -and rental was only covered for a short period of time and it took longer to receive a check for the replacement.

Will never own a Ford again. We are working with an attorney on a class action lawsuit.
Carol of Sumterville FL (10/06/08)
2001 Lincoln Navigator caught on fire. 10/01/2008 at 10:15 p.m. my vehicle was parked in the driveway having been driven last at 11:00 a.m. that morning. We tried to extinguish the fire with 3 fire extinguishers, but only managed to keep the flames low enough to move the other vehicles from the area. By 11:00 p.m. the fire department had extinguished the fire. The Fire Marshall investigated the car for arson, but ruled the fire as a faulty cruise control switch.

At this time we have lost our only vehicle. We have 2 school aged children and my husband has numerous health issues that need constant trips to the doctor's office. The insurance company said that at least 30 days will pas before we recieve a settlement from them. We purchased this vehicle in late July 2007. We were never told about a faulty switch nor did we recieve a recall notice.
Eric of Tucson AZ (10/04/08)
Until my 1995 Ford Ranger caught fire while I was driving, I was unaware of the Ford fire epidemic. My girlfriend and I were heading out shopping making one stop for soda when we noticed the smell of burning plastic. I assumed there was a house fire until my gas pedal went limp and dropped to the floor. At that point I had no choice but to coast off the road where upon my girl pointed out the flames under the hood.

By some stroke of luck a tow-truck-driver saw us immediately and pulled over with an extinguisher to save the day (not the truck). The only good I can see is that no one died or even got hurt and that it happened less than a mile from my house.

the truck was my only mode of transport for my two roomates, my girl and myself. My job requires mobility that public transport can't provide
Brian of Framingham MA (09/27/08)
On 9/27/08 my Ford Focus caught on fire. My friend was driving the car & she said there was smoke coming from under the hood. Lucky she was 2 minutes away from the house, she ran downstairs to get me & by the time I saw the car, it was engulfed in flames!

Ford should take full responsible of this as there are plenty of other people whose car's have caught on fire.
Engine caught on fire, total loss
April of Portland OR (09/13/08)
This September 5th 2008, while my husband and I were at work, our Bronco that we had just purchased in late March burst into flames and caught our garage on fire. 2 days after the fire we learned that there was a recall for the cruise control deactivator switch and that our specific vehicle had not been repaired and that the dealership was issued a recall notice 2 mo prior to our purchase of the vehicle. They never mentioned anything about a recall or a fire hazard.

Our two beloved dogs, Rocky and Junior were caught in the fire and killed. We also lost 1 motorcycle, 1 dirtbike, and countless other activity gear and family mementos. The garage thankfully was detached from the house so the house was barely touched. But the garage is completely demolished and we need to rebuild it.
Suellen of Lyons KS (09/06/08)
I brought 1999 Expedition After getting tags it burn up in 12 hours. I am a single mother of 5 kids but now Ford won't return my phone calls after getting all pictures and reports from police, I don't know what to do, now my car is getting reposess Due to this vechile I have to pay for cause by Mel H. fault because when the last owner took Expediation in they never disconnect cruise control.

Depression, loss to house, Avon products plus having to dream of what happen.
Chris of Grand Rivers KY (08/30/08)
I have a 1997 ford f 150 that was parked in my driveway while i was away from home the truck caught on fire and if it had not been for my dog waking my two daughters my house would have burnt with them sleeping in it.

The truck is a total loss and it scorched the front porch on my house
Ebony of Indianapolis IN (08/22/08)
well for starters my whole truck (expedition 20000) burned down to the ground and took six other cars with not as bad as mine, only thing that is left from my truck is he shell and the back tires and my license plate

my truck is gone for one, and i also burned up six other cars and damaged a parking garage
Teresa of Poughkeepsie NY (08/18/08)
MY 1998 FORD EXPLOXER CAUGHT ON FIRE AT 1:00 AM WHILE I WAS SLEEPING. If the fire dept didn't get there when they did my whole truck would've exploded and my apartment, where the truck was parked in front of my bedroom window.

Truck is damaged.
Thomasina of Beaumont TX (07/29/08)
I had a 1998 2Dr Ford Explorer that i was paying $275.92 a month for to Carmax. On June 17, 2008 I came to work like normal. My truck drove good to work and i hadn't had any problems out of it lately. I got to work at 8:26 a.m. Next thing i know the building manager came to my office and asked me my name and told me the fire department was looking for me because my truck had caught on fire. i was in shock for hours. I couldn't believe it. i had heard that ford vehicles could do that but I still didn't believe it.

When I got outside the front end of my truck was out of there. The inside was heavly smoked damaged and the truck ended up being a total loss. I immediately called my insurance company (Farmers) and all they did was pay what I still owed to carmax which was $3,859 and gave me a $57 check. Apparently Farmers goes by the private kelly blue book price not the retail value of the vehicle.

then i thought carmax would have given me some sort of incentive for paying my truck off early but nope. The sed i was actually getting a deal because if i had waited to finish paying it off I would have been paying way more than the $3859. *whatever*! Now I am stuck without a vehicle and no money for a down payment on a vehicle. My insurance company has yet to tell me the cause of the fire but if they find out it was due to ford's recall then they are going to go after ford themselves and see about getting their money back. Farmers told me I couldn't go after ford myself because nobody or nothing was hurt.

What about my vehicle? That was something that was hurt. I am so frustrated. i went ahead and got in contact with ford via e-mail a couple of days ago and they asked me for certain information. Now I have yet to hear back from them. i don't know what to do.

No vehicle and no money for a down payment on another vehicle. My car was a total loss.
Paul of Bronx NY (07/29/08)
2000 Ford triton 5.4 w/ 90,000 miles....Never abused and lots of care! The complete valve train on drivers side went up in smoke! The plug ejected and left me stranded! This is my second Ford w/ internal engine failure! Never Again Ford. What good is a nice comfortable Ford ride when the engine blows up!
Michael of Warner Robins GA (04/02/08)
After driving my 2000 Ford f-150 for approx. 25 miles, I parked behind my carport. About 4 hours, the truck caught fire under the hood and since noone was home at the time, the vehicle was completely destroyed. The fire investigator said that the fire had clearly started on the drivers side in the area of the Master Cylinder. The Truck is a total loss ,but fortunately , there was little other property damage due to the excellent response by our fire fighters
Jesse of Hitchcock TX (04/01/08)
I was coming back from the grocery store and I stopped to grab my trash cans when I smelled something burning under the hood of my 2000 F150. I pulled up next to my house and shut the truck off. All of the sudden flames started coming out from underneath the hood against the windshield before I could even shut the door. I ran in my house to get my fire extinguisher and used it up on the flames to no avail. I then ran around the corner of my house to get my waterhose and then heard a loud boom and looked over to see flames bursting out of my truck 20 feet high(all this happened within minutes). I then immediately called 911, and they sent out the fire department and a cop. It took them about 5 minutes to get there and put out the flames, which were still roaring at 15-20 feet tall. Most of my engine,cab and front end were burnt up. The truck is completly totaled. This all happened at about 9:45pm on March 12,2008. I've had all recalls fixed by a Ford certified dealer. I had the truck for almost two and a half years and it always ran fine and had no problems. I am guessing it had something to do with the recalled part, since my story is similar to other peoples who had the problem. I only had liability insurance on it because I could not afford full coverage, therefore I am not being compensated for my truck. My homeowners insurance does not cover it either. Also ruint in the truck was several hundred dollars in personal items. If there is any way I can get some compensation from Ford I would like to try.
Justin of Glendale AZ (03/14/08)
In August of 2007, my insurance had lapsed on my 2001 Ford F-150 SuperCrew. I decided to park the truck while I could straighten out my finances. The truck had been parked for approximently five days and on the fifth day, the truck burst into flames. Luckily, my mother was home, and heard the explosion coming from outside. When she ran outside, she saw the flames coming from under the hood of the truck. Thankfully, she pulled out the hose and called 911 and had the fire put out before it burned the house and the truck.
Kert of Carencro LA (03/13/08)
My ford f-150 2002 burnt to the ground after being park in my front yard.
Ted of Milton FL (02/02/08)
Instant loss of power assist to brake system on 2005 F150 Ford PU with 5.4L engine. Drove truck home afternoon of 1/1/08 ariving at 3:45 pm. Had no problem with the brakes in route. I went back out to crank up truck to leave an hour later. When I started the engine, white smoke emerged from under the hood. I quickly turned off the engine and checked under the hood for a fire but found nothing burning. After smoke cleared I restarted the engine. No more smoke was visible so I moved the truck forward a few feet and noticed I had to stand on the brake pedal to get it to stop. I turned off the engine and let it sit for a few minutes and restarted the engine and again moved the truck a few feet but still had no brakes to speak of. It appears the brake power booster has quit working properly.
Geoff of Westminster CA (01/24/08)
January 22, 2008. 2001 Ford Expedition XLT caught on fire and destroyed in our driveway. After driving the vehicle for approximately 20 minutes it was parked in the driveway. Approximately 1 hr later (3:30pm) the engine compartment was on fire and became engulfed within minutes. Fortunately the vehicle was not in the garage. A neighbors daughter saw the fire and her dad and a friend came to our house and helped put out tht fire with a garden hose before it could catch fire to the front of our house. We were home when this happened, but did not know about the fire until the neighbor came to grab the hose in the front yard. The fire department indicated that the origin of the fire was on the drivers side of the vehicle near and around master cylinder. I have many pictures of the damage if needed.

Insurance company has not yet completed the investigation, however there is no doubt this vehicle is a complete loss.
Lisa of Keizer OR (01/15/08)
On Friday, Jan 11, 2008 my husband came home from work at 5:30 and parked his 2001 F-150 Supercrew in the driveway. He and my 3 year old son were at home. My husband was getting ready to get in the shower when he heard someone banging on the front door - by the time he got to the peep hole no one was there so he went back to the bathroom to resume his shower, he then heard another knock at the door and again went to see who was at the door, again...no one. Our 6 yr old lab was acting crazy, running up and down the hall barking like crazy. She is what alerted my husband to investigate further. He went into the bedroom of our 11 year old daughter and looked out front to the driveway and saw that his truck was fully engulfed in flames. It had been parked for about 45 minutes when the fire broke out. Our garage door and siding on the front of our house was pretty damaged but thank god not destroyed. The truck on the other hand is a total loss. My husbands truck is also part of the Ford recall. When we got the letter regarding the recall we called Ford and they said that they didn't have the part that was required to fix it but that since our cruise control wasn't working (It had stopped working about 2 mths before the fire) it must already be disconnected and we should be fine. Fires are rare so I wouldn't worry is what we were told. From the sounds of all these stories they are not as rare as they would like the consumer to believe. I am just thankful that my husband and my son are safe.
Andy of Sylvania GA (01/08/08)
In 2005 our 2001 ford f-150 caught on fire and our house all was destroyed. We lost everything in the house. That's when we had heard about the cruise control causing fires. Now 3 years later Jan 2008 our other 2001 ford f-150 engine caught on fire and melting the siding off our house before the house was burnt down again.
Rob of Tallahassee FL (12/31/07)
2004 Ford F-150 FX-4 truck burns up while driving. This just happened this weekend. Fire got so hot, it melted the windshield, burned through the firewall into the cab. Total loss. I had my daughter in the back seat, and had a difficult time getting her out, due to the fact that the electrical stuff on the truck would not function....namely the door locks. I had to break out a window to get her out!!!!
Ann of Pompano Beach FL (12/02/07)
Used my daughters 1998 Ford Explorer. Came home from food shopping and one hour later, car was in flames in carport of my modular home. Car was totally destroyed along with the siding of my new Modular Home. Thank God no one was hurt.

Car was totalled. Modular Home siding melted along with porch buckling and carport fried.
Frank of Universal City TX (09/13/07)
On August 28, 2007 my 2001 Ford F-150 SuperCrew pick-up truck started on fire after having sat in my driveway for five hours. The fire, though attended to quickly by our fire department, consumed the engine, engine compartment, firewall, front-end, etc. The truck was in my driveway and the fire also affected my home.

The Ford 2001 F-150 SuperCrew was a complete loss. There is approximately $5,000 damages to our house. My wife and I missed work time dealing with the clean-up and dealing with contractors. The fire will have to be disclosed to prospective buyers of our home and will lessen the future value of our home.
Julie of Willits CA (09/11/07)
My brother in law's 2007 Ford F150 caught fire in his drive-way and burnt to the ground. He just brought his brand new baby girl home 3 hours before. We were all sleeping in the house, when my sister woke to some sort of lights outside, as she went to the window she saw the Ford engulfed in 100 foot flames. My husband ran outside got the water hose to put the fire out. By the time the fire department got there, the truck was a pile of ash. If my sister would have never woke up, we could not even be here today because the truck would have caught the house on fire. They were never sent a recall in the mail or when they purchased the truck 6 months ago, nothing was ever talked about regarding this recall. Now they are out of a vehicle. My sister got the whole thing on video tape, we have already contacted a lawyer and are pursuing our case. I can't even imagine how a huge car company can sell death traps like this and get away with it.
Paul of Phoenix AZ (09/04/07)
spark plug blew out of cylinder head. no assistance through or extended warranty ford sold me.
Joshua of Princeton WV (09/04/07)
My F150 burnt to the ground early thrusday morning and it is beleive a recall is the problem. I no longer have a vechile to drive and i am awaiting my insurance company to settle.
John of Charleston SC (09/03/07)
On Aug 31, 2007 My 1995 Ford F150 caught on fire and completely burnt out the engine compartment & cab interior. The truck was parked at the back of the house and hadn't been run for 10 hours.
Michael of Cda ID (08/30/07)
driving down freeway smoke filled the cab pulled over call 911 then it caught on fire total the truck fire was caused by cruise control it was a 91 ford f150
Briana of Canton GA (08/30/07)
My 2001 Ford F-150,caught on fire while it was parked. I called Ford and they said I would be receiving a letter from consumraffairs in a couple of days. But they would not give me any other information. I need them to tell me what they are going to do concerning my truck.
Lyle of Moreno Valley CA (08/20/07)
I own a 2000 Ford F150. It was parked in my driveway and suddenly caught fire in the engine compartment. The entire front of the vehicle was blazing by the time I got to it with a water hose. With the help of neighbors we were able to put the fire out before it got to my house. I have a friend that is a tech for Ford. After inspection he informed me that the cause was from having the bad speed control switch. It's ironic because I had just received a recall notice from Ford a week prior and had not opened it yet. The truck was almost paid off. Now I have a almost paid for pile of ash parked in my driveway. At least I was not driving it at the time.
Thomas of Lantana FL (07/10/07)
my 2005 ford 150 pick up truck was parked in the driveway on 12/21/06 when the engine caught fire. the truck was off and the engine had not been running for approx. 1 hour before it caught fire.

The truck was a total loss. Fire marshall stated the fire originated in the engine compartment. Geico ins. company paid off the remaining balance on the truck and the settlement was far below the KBB and also the NADA value. I was without a vehicle and could not work for two weeks.
Also, the property where the truck was parked was damaged as well and the home owner's insurance company is seeking damages from me. As Geico ins. did not pay the property damage. Photos of the Truck available as well as Fire marshall report available.
Larry of Mcloud OK (07/10/07)
1997 Ford F150 Truck was sitting in the parking lot at work and caught fire. It had not been started for several hours. There was know current problem with the truck and it was runing ok. According to Ford recall web site there where no outstanding recalls. The VIN # is 1FTDX1762VKA40217.
Candace of Lompoc CA (07/05/07)
On July 4th, 2007 we took our family to the beach to enjoy the holiday. We parked our 2000 Ford F-150 truck and withing 30 minutes it was completely engulfed in flames. We have had this truck since day one and have never had any problems or been notified of any recalls affecting our make and model. We have always kept up with regular maintenence and the truck was in great running condition. After the fire we became immediately aware of the factory recalls that went out on this vehicle by all of the shared stories of bystanders and their similar experiences or those of loved ones. Ford Motor company does not accept any responsibility for these fires and the costs to replace the vehicles.

Out truck was totalled and now we are left without a vehicle. We worked hard to keep this vehicle in good shape and we payed it off last year prior to my husband retiring from the Air Force. Because it is not a daily driver we recently reduced our insurance from full coverage to liability and now we are completly out of luck and out of a vehicle. Our family had camping reservations made a year ago that we needed the truck for and now we will have to cancel that as well of course nonrefundable. We purchased new tires for the truck 11 months ago for 1000.00 and that is lost as well.
Thomas of Barrington RI (06/27/07)
While driving my 2006 F150 Lariat home with my son on the highway (6/26/07), smelled smoke/burning smell. Another motorist driving past us told us there were flames coming out of the front. We pulled over and when my son opened the pasengers side door there were flames coming up from under the truck, he shut the door and got out the drivers side. In minutes the entire truck was engulfed in flames. A total loss. Highway was shut down. Lost everything, including all the tools in the back for work. Dealership is unresponsive. Never had any work done to the vehicle in past. Always current with oil changes and upkeep.
Joseph of Pittsburgh PA (06/12/07)
Bought a 2004 Ford F150 4X4 XLT. Had it for 3 years with no problems had done all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. On 12 June 2007 at 3:20am the engine caught fire and destroyed the truck. I drove the truck at 5:00 the previous day for 1 hour and parked it at 6:00pm that night. The truck was running fine with no problems or anything it just caught fire as it sat on the street. The truck is a total loss. I will be contacting Ford in the morning conserning this issue.
Donna of Plano TX (05/25/07)
I own a 2001 Ford F150 that caught on fire due to a faulty starter and now the insureance won't cover it and ford won't take responsibility. What are my options?

$4,600.00 worth of damage to the body and engine from the fire.
Ricci of Port Neches TX (05/16/07)
My son's 2002 Ford F-150 caught fire & burnt up in my driveway on May 5th,2007. The fire dept. was called to put out the fire & said it looks as though the fire started around the master cylinder. The fire dept. investigator states the origin of the fire to be similar as the fireman.

Since the fire, I've been told about a recall on this vehicle due to fires linked to the cruise control switch mounted on the master cylinder. I purchased this vehicle from a used car lot 6 months ago & was NEVER told about this recall by Ford or the seller.

I found out after the fire.It totalled the truck, did extensive damage to my driveway (driveway was stained, scored,&sealed about a year ago for thousands of dollars),plus lost many added features in truck(Stereo,amp,speakers,alarm system,new tires,shocks,ect). The conversation I've had with Ford (Steve),seems to be stringing me along,downplaying their responsibility,if any, & it's very frustrating.

After sending them many pictures taken immediately after the fire(they look identical to previous fires started the same way), a picture of leaking brake fluid on my driveway just prior to fire,the same 5A fuse blowing a number of times(causing inability to shift gearshift),they will send out their invetigator to look at vehicle. I should be contacted by him within a week.

When I first reported this to Ford, I was told to file it with my car insurance(I have liability only), then told to file under home owners insurance($3200 deductible). I said it was your responsibility,not theirs.
Gabriel of Moore SC (05/14/07)
I just wanted to add my experience with the Ford F-Series fires. On 5/11/07, I parked my 2001 F250 around 11:30 p.m. No prior troubles with this vehicle, and had just turned 105K miles. I brought my dogs inside for the night at almost exactly 1:00 a.m., which requires me to stand outside within six feet of my truck for a few minutes. No smell of any kind of smoke at that time was present that would have indicated a smoldering fire (I have worked as firefighter for twenty years and would have recognized even the faintest odor).

Around 1:30 a.m., a loud boom awakened me from my sleep. I ran outside to find my truck showing flame from the driver's side of the engine compartment. I know the first explosion I heard was NOT the driver's side tire exploding from the fire because I was outside on the phone with 911 when the tire blew. Within the six minutes before the arrival of the fire department, the entire engine compartment and most of the cab was engulfed. I am extremely thankful that my house, only six feet away, did not become involved, and it was only by divine intervention that I wasn't parked inside the carport that night.
S of Myakka City FL (05/10/07)
On 5-7-07, my son drove his 1997 Ford F150 home from school and parked it in his spot in the garage. Within 20 minutes, we heard his horn going off steadily. I went to the garage to verify the noise and the truck was engulfed in flames! I screamed for my husband who grabbed a fire extinguisher. My son grabbed his key. My husband was able to put the truck into neutral (while it was on fire and he was still spraying it down) and we rolled it out of the garage by pushing on the back seat of the vehicle. My husband was able to put out the flames before the fire dept. arrived. My son's beautiful truck is ruined. The garage was covered in soot although there was no other damage to our home. My husband contacted Ford and they say they stopped paying on these types of situations and we should go through our insurance company. Because of the age of the truck and the mileage (80,000), with our deductible, we'll end up with very little money and not be able to replace this vehicle. My son is heartbroken. Ford should be ashamed. I'm still shaking from the incident days later. It was just horrifying to see the black smoke in the garage and the flames shooting from the vehicle.
Michael of Walnut Creek CA (05/08/07)
Another horror story about Ford Expedition's Mine WAS a 1999,XLT, about 120,000 miles on it. Never a problem until last Sunday, May 6-2007. After my wife went on a quick shopping trip to the local supermarket, she parked the vehicle in front of our house. Within about 10 minutes, we hear a loud pop. I looked out the front window and a thick cloud of smoke was coming out from under the hood.
I grabbed a fire extingusher and rushed out to the vehicle. I could not open the hood or get too close to the vehicle due to the flames and smoke that was pouring out. I emptied the fire extinguisher from under the front of the vehicle, but the flames did not go out. I ran to the garage for a second extinguisher and did the same with the same results.
My wife called 911 and by the time the fire department arrived about 10 minutes later, the vehicle was completely engulfed and our house was singed by the flames and heat.
Luckily, no one was injured and the fire was put out in time with minimal damage to our house. The vehicle is totally destroyed.. Shame on the Ford motor company for producing a product that has this type of life threating defect.
Bruce of Melbourne FL (05/02/07)
On June 30,1999, my 1995 Ford F150 caught on fire at 11:15pm.after being parked in our driveway for at least 7 hours. Our son heard the loud explosion and came running into our bedroom to tell us that there was a fire in our driveway and he had heard a loud explosion.

When my wife and I ran out side, we saw our truck and front of our home totally engulfed in flames. We called 9-1-1. Fire rescue came out and put the fire out and started an investigation.

The report from the fire inspector stated that it was an electrical fire. Not only did this cost us $2000.00 in deductables,but we only got $9000.00 for a truck that was worth $12,000.00 and then we were charged for it.

The insurance company would not allow us to change insurance companys because of the claim and also increased our rates in order to pay back the money that they did give us!

Not only was the driveway and the front of the house damaged but so was the carpet in the house and the walls were smoke damaged. We were treated like criminals,and even asked by the insurance agent if WE started the fire on purpose!

I was totally appauled by such accusations. We kept the truck in showroom condition. I have never gotten any kind of letter from Ford acknowledging the problem or letting us know of any recalls.

I feel as though I should be compensated for the losses that we experience and the Ford Motor Company should stand up and take responability for their faulty vehicles, afterall, they didn't have a problem taking my money when I bought the truck! Many pictures were taken of the remains and damage.
Chad of Sturgis MS (04/27/07)
I own a 2000 Ford F-150. I walked outside and my truck was on fire under the hood. I was able to get the fire out, but the Ford dealership said its going to take atleast $5,300 or more to fix just the mechanical and wiring damage. I have not got a price on the body damage. The fire was started through the cruise control switch that I later found has had a recall on it for starting such fires. I asked Ford about there responsibilities in paying for the damages. They said they are not responsible and they are not going to pay for any of it. They said they sent out 5 recall notices, and that reliefes them of any responsibilities. I never recieved any recall notices, they may have went to the previous owner. I bought the vehicle from the Ford dealership used in late 03' or early 04'.
Daniel of Alpine CA (04/24/07)
I also have a 2003 Ford Expedition. Three weeks ago it blew a spark plug at just over 80,000 miles. Fortunately, my wife was not on the freeway when it happened. We have a premium warranty service on the vehicle but they have refused to pay for the repair.
Betty & Brent of Ponce De Leon FL (04/22/07)
We heard a loud pop and then a terrible noise from the engine. We had a spark plug blow out of the engine on our 2002 Ford F250 Laredo Crew cab Truck. Luckily we were close to a mechanic shop. The mechanic put another spark plug in and said that it will blow again. It will cost over $2,500.00 to fix it he says. We can't afford to pay that. So we have to take the chance it will happen again. Isn't that a safety issue? I think Ford should have to fix it.I see that alot of people are having this problem. Should'nt there be a recall?

It will cost over $2,500.00 to fix it.
Maria of Brownsville TX (04/21/07)
My 2001 f-150 4 door caught on fire feb07, i contacted ford and they have no reason why they dont want to be responsable for it, it did have a recall.my husband had just bought me the truck while serving in afghanistan then it was really hard getting a nice truck for once and then for it to catch on fire, i only had liability on it unfortunally , oh and no lawyer wants to take my case because they said something or someone had to catch on fire with the truck, so if anyone can help me i would really appreciate it
Charlie of San Angelo TX (04/17/07)
I have a 2000 Ford Expedition that also has blown out a spark plug.Since I am a diesel mechanic I rented a tool and repaired it myself.My worry now is when will the next one blow out? Probably in the middle of nowhere on a holiday.

I don't think I can trust the vehicle to go very far from home or to send the family on a trip and not worry about them.I tried to trade it off before the spark plug blew out but it seems that everyone knew but me that it was a 5.4 Triton and two dealers offered me $1200. for a very clean Expedition that I still owe $7800 on,when they had one exactly like it on their lot for $12995.

Bottom line is I have a nice suv that I cant trade in, trust to use as intended,or sell without feeling guilty about having given a problem to someone else.
Nas of Paterson NJ (04/16/07)
I have a 2003 Ford Expedition that has 39K miles the check engine light came on and it ran rough this weekend. I took it to a mechanic and he told me that his diagnostics indicate that cylinder #4 is misfiring and it might be the plug or the coil and it cost $200 to replace because it is very hard to get at; it is in the bottom of the engine. This is the 2nd time this happened the 1st time the truck was under warrantee with only 27K miles from reading all the customers comments and experience. It seems that Ford has an issue with plugs.
Patrick of Ventura CA (04/13/07)
Blew #3 spark plug out of the head on my 1997 Ford Expedition. The dealer wants $2400 for repair, $4200 for head replacement, or $5500 for a long block engine replacement.

So far, $200 towing cost and $90 dealer evaluation cost, plus loss of vehicle for 2-weeks (so far).
James of Bloomington MN (04/12/07)
You recently published my complaint about Ford spark plug blowouts I now have some info. I would like you to pass on. You have had many people from Minnesota that have had this problem and they need to contact Minnesota Attorney General's Office 1400 Bremer Tower 445 Minnesota Street St. Paul, MN 55101 (651) 296-3353 (800) 657-3787 TTY:(651) 297-7206 TTY:(800) 366-4812 to file a complaint against Ford, I have done so and they said they would contact Ford on my behalf to try and resolve this issue. The more people that contact them the better case they can present. Please let people in other states know to contact thier Attorney Generals. Thank you.
Philip of Sevierville TN (04/09/07)
My cold 2000 F250 Super Duty 4dr self ignited in my driveway. Thank goodness I had a hose nearby and noticed the smoke coming out of the driverside wheelwell while walking my dog. If I hadn't my house would have gone up in flames. My local Ford dealer said right off the bat that it looked like a fire originating at the cruise control.
Philip of Sevierville TN (04/09/07)
My cold 2000 F250 Super Duty 4dr self ignited in my driveway. Thank goodness I had a hose nearby and noticed the smoke coming out of the driverside wheelwell while walking my dog. If I hadn't my house would have gone up in flames.

My local Ford dealer said right off the bat that it looked like a fire originating at the cruise control and gave me an estimate of aprox. $5,000 that they filed with Ford, and told me it looked open and shut and not to worry, they would take care of the formalities with Ford and get back with me and hopefully have my truck back to me in about three weeks. Ford asked for an inspection by a local regional, who took pictures and filed a report to their home office proved to be the begining of my happy ending.

I filed a complaint with Ford's Detroit office about the same time, who inturn spoke with the regional office, who spoke with the regional office and manager again after I filed a complaint with Detoit when it was turned down the first time. Oddly enough when I spoke with the complaint line in Detoit while filing for a review of the decision after being told I was turned down for repairs by my Ford dealer,(who was quite surprised), the lady with whom I spoke with in Detroit was very nice and quite sympathetic, and was kind enough to read back to me the initial report from the field.

I only wish I had recorded my conversation. They admitted the guilt, but questioned whether it was worth fixing. Following my review of Ford's decision not to fix my vehicle, the story changed to the argument that the cause of the fire was indeterminable due to the extensive damage. There was no mention of guilt. My advise from Ford's complaint desk was to turn it into my insurance co.

I was told by the Ford employee that I would most likely be paid for my loss, and you know that Ford and most other car makers, own atleast part of all the major insurance companies, and they would work out some sort of payback as far as Ford was concerned for my damages, but atleast I would be compensated. I told her that I didn't want to involve my insurance co. as it may increase my rates and ratings, and she agreed, but said there was nothing Ford was going to do for me or my truck.

Through all this, I just kept repeating to everyone...all I want is my truck fixed...all I want is my truck back... To this day that is all I ever wanted. The insurance co. totaled the truck and after seven months I may have a chance to to out and get a three or four thousand dollar truck to replace my dependable, beautiful F250...you know the one I bought new...the truck I paid over thirty thousand for...the one I took such good care of...the one I used everyday to earn a living...eeeek

Gerry of S Pasadena CA (04/03/07)
2002 Ford E350 44,000 miles, #7 spark plug blew out of aluminum head. On 4/3/07 John @ CRC offered $1000.00 w/ 24 hour expiration toward a $2511.00 cost(warranty priced discount) from Dealer.Dealer further offered an additional 10% discount and got a Ford field Rep. to agree to an additional $250.00. So as it stands now I'm still looking at a $761.00 bill according to the Dealer.

Geoffery of Wilton Manors FL (03/28/07)
Nothing has happened yet. I just wanted to register my name because I own a Ford F150 (1999)

Stephen of Mandeville LA (03/26/07)
my 1996 ford F150 exploded and completely burned to scrap metal after it had been parked in my driveway for over 24 hours. part of the master cylinder blew out from the truck and landed about 20 feet away. I was not home at the time-the neighbors heard the explosion and called 911. they also reported that the engine started by itself during the fire.

Mark of Mogadore OH (03/22/07)
I have been a proud FORD owner all my life. Until my '02 F150 blew a spark plug for the 2nd time costing me in exess of $4,000. I have been stranded out of town twice with $300 towing bils. I was told by Ford that since there are nor recalls on this problem, it is soley my responsibility and he has only heard of this 2 times. They refuse to stand behind the obvious Manufacturer defective design. This is a very wide spread problem between 99-04 on Tritan V8 and V10. When I talked to the service manager at the dealership I had it fixed at...the first thing he asked was Let me guess, #3 cylendar? I said yes! What does that tell you?

Tom of Allentown NJ (03/22/07)
I have been a Ford person for 35 years. Last year my F 250 with the 5.4 blew the back passenger side plug @ about 120,000 miles. It cost over 2000.00 to pull the head and have a helicoil put in. I currently have a 2006 F-150 with a 5.4. I'm alittle nervous. Ford is forceing me to look elsewhere.

John of Urbana IA (03/21/07)
I bought a 2001 Ford F150 with 89000 miles on it in December of last year. It now has 104000 miles. This past week my wife and I were driving home from shopping when we were startled by a loud bang. The engine started missing so i pulled over to the side of the road and shut it off. I called the local ford dealer in Center Point and told them the problem, they said it is probably a blown spark plug which is what it turned out to be.

I was given two options, one was to replace the head at a cost of $3000 or to have a heli coil put in the spark plug hole at a cost of $300-$400 I chose the second. This is the first Ford I have owned after switching from driving Chevy trucks for 20 years, needles to say once I pick it up from the dealer ship after the repair I will be sending it down the road after reading all of the problems with the heads.

Keith of Brandon MS (03/21/07)
Last night at 4 am I was awakened by my daughter who heard a loud noise in the driveway. When I went to the front door I saw that my wife's 2001 Ford Escape was on fire. After the Fire Department put out the fire the Fire Inspector stated the fire had started near the brake booster. After looking on this web site I see that there have been 8 other incidents happening to these vehicles, that have been reported to your agency. What recourse do I have as a consumer against Ford for not warning customers of this potential hazard. I am having to claim this against my Insurance which is going to cause my Insurance to go up?
The vehicle is a total loss and I am going to have to buy a new one to replace it. I can not replace it for the amount that they say my Escape is worth.
Furman of Townville SC (03/17/07)
I have just lost my Ford 2001 F-150 truck to a fire. I parked the vehicle in our drive, normally I would have parked in the garage. I was awakened about 6 hours later with explosions from the truck being on fire. I had received 2 recalls and went to local Ford dealer was told they did not have the part to replace the faulty part but that mine was not one of the ones being recalled.

This related to the cruise control. The second time I was told the same thing about no parts and they disconnected the cruise but before I left the Service manager said again that mine was not one of the ones being recalled and to plug it back up. I have contacted Ford and they say they have no responsibility
My truck is a total loss, it completely burned. In fact the fire was so hot that it melted the inside of the front rims.My recourse not is an attorney and hopefully a class action suit against Ford
Dan of Huntington Beach CA (03/12/07)
I have a 1997 Ford F250 LD and I also had a spark plug blow out. 3rd cyl. passenger side. Fixed it and 200 miles later blew 4th plug passenger side. Only not so lucky this time the loose plug started a fuel fire and burned my truck down to the axels in 12 minutes. 100% total. BEWARE This could kill you. It went up so fast we lost our cameras ,computer,GPS and just got out ourselfs. would love to share the pictures of my truck with the people from Ford that say there is not a problem
Truck was a total to replace it with a Chevy or Dodge will cost 6 or 7 thousand but I would walk before driving a Ford with alum. heads.
Eric of Idaho Falls ID (03/10/07)
My 1997 Ford Expedition 5.4 L with aluminum heads spit out a spark plug. They said $800 to fix it. I went to Smith Ford in Rexburg, ID and they fixed it for $292. The next month, it spit out a second plug, another $392. I am looking for a Toyota now. American auto manufacturers need to stand by their product when it is a design flaw. I see from the internet that it is a common problem, and the dealers admit it is seen frequently.

Kelli of Sparks NV (03/07/07)
We have an 1999 F350 and have had 2 different spark plugs blow in a matter of 7 months. Of course when I called Ford, they denied knowing of a problem and said it didn't matter anyway because I was out of warranty. About a month after our 2nd plug blew, my father's F150 blew a plug.
SO FAR, we have had to pay $2000. in repair expenses to have both plugs rethreaded.
Juliana of Hastings NY (03/05/07)
expedition blown spark plug at 65k, at mechanic now. not sure if threads ruined but prolly are...over 4k to fix? this piece of crap isn't even worth 4k!!!!!!!!!!

Mark of Scarborough ME (03/03/07)
My 1997 Ford F150 pick up truck had a Spark Plug Blow out.
Wayne of Brighton MI (03/02/07)
We joined the Ford spark plug club last week. All of the links I find for class action don't work. Between my POS GMC Jimmy (which has had $1000 of non-reimbursed electrical repair in the steering column switches)I've had. Sorry flag wavers I really tried but the incompetence and arrogance of these companies is too much. My beater Honda needs gas and oil...period: and it has way more miles than my Detroit iron. As the RamChargers used to say...Color me gone.
I used a tap with adapter to fix the head (not helio-coil). It takes a newer smaller spark plug now. Got my fingers crossed. Anyone have any experience with the longevity of this fix?
Steve of Lompoc CA (02/26/07)
I was driving home Saturday evening when I smelled something burning. Looking around I noticed out the left rear window sparks hitting the highway from my truck. I pulled over and checked the bed of my truck to find it. I noticed flames underneath the truck between the bed and the cab. Thinking fire and gas tank, I ran and proceeded to call 911.
After reporting it, I turned around and the truck was up in flames. I was out on Highway one between the 101 and Lompoc. The fire truck and highway patrol showed up ,but by the time they did, the truck was halfway melted. The fireperson said it was electrical. It's a 2001 F-150 and I was baffled by what went wrong, only to find out about all this recall cruise control stuff.

The truck is melted. I'm a General Contractor meaning my tools, my business was in it.
Suzanne of Clarksville TN (02/26/07)
The entire front portion of my 1997 Ford Contour was on fire. I stood in amazement watching my car get destroyed while awaiting the fire department.

Shannon of Roanoke VA (02/23/07)
My husband's 1999 Ford Ranger XLT, did not catch fire, thank goodness. But we had a problem with smoke coming from the cruise control stick mounted on the steering column, and a popping sound. It stopped and he hasn't had any additional trouble. But I read the info about the fires etc, so he hasn't been using his cruise control anymore.

I called Ford and they told me the Rangers where not included in the recalls. But from reading the info posted here I don't understand that. So many Fords are being recalled...don't they usually all use the same parts????

I am really worried. Is there still an open investigation to see if more vehicles should be recalled?

T of Paso Robles CA (02/20/07)
My 2001 Ford F150 blew out Spark plug just like all the rest. Dealer said too bad
No $ to fix
Stephanie of Clovis CA (02/20/07)
My stupid Ford Focus as of today has had the ignition switch go out for the third time! I have had nothing but trouble since I bought this car brand new off the lot in September of 2000. Two starters, 3 ignitions, 3 batteries, and 2 alternaters! Talk about a lemon but the lemon law I guess does not apply to this stupid car!

Joe of Grasonville MD (02/19/07)
My 2002 F-150 began shuddering about 8 months ago. Since then: I've had all the sparkplugs replaced; reoccured and had an engine coil replaced (about 3 months ago); now it's back worse than ever.

Initially, I'd feel the misfires between 40-60mph under light load only. Now, it's all the time -- idling, most any speed and under practically any load. I took it back to a shop and they correctly diagnosed the problem (as my research has shown); but, since the check engine light is not yet on, they can't narrow it down to what plug/coil to replace.

I'll be following the advice to buy a whole set of coils from eBay for $98 and get the shop to put 'em in. But, I fear that it'll all come back in a few more months, and/or a plug will be spit out and the cylinder head damaged.

I followed Don of Omaha NE's advice and called called Ford's Customer Care department to log an official complaint: 1-800-392-3673. After gathering all my information, she asked what I was seeking from Ford at this time.

I referenced this website, many others, and that I'm seeking to log a official complaint, hoping that that will lead to Ford offering a recall due to the large number of vehicles that this applies to. She said indeed that it's just this sort of phone call that could lead to a recall being announced. We'll see... So, I second Dan of Omaha's plea: EVERYONE SHOULD CALL FORD TO COMPLAIN!!!

Thomas of Pine Island NY (02/10/07)
As is the case with so many other people, the V-10 Triton engine manufactured by Ford than runs our 2001 Georgetown motor home (chassis by Ford; coach by Forest River of Goshen, Indiana) has blown a spark plug for a second time.

Mechanics willing to re-sleeve the cylinder are few and far between. Ford dealerships will replace the engine head, refusing to use a simple tool, which Ford itself makes, to resleeve the cylinder for the spark plug.
Gas fumes enter the entire coach of the motor home, necessitating the evacuation of my family into our tow vehicle, which is detached, and my driving the motor home as gas fumes enter the coach.
We must continue to drive as I make my living giving talks to small groups of C

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Sheez the loonies are out today..

What we need is a car company that never kills anyone, and has society's best interest at heart.. not a greedy mentality. We definitely dont want them to make cars that break down, catch on fire or have accidents... oh yeah and dont emit CO2 either.

Tesla is the answer!, or maybe GM run by the government.

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