NHTSA Complaint #10137214 — 1998 FORD EXPLORER

DT: 1998 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONSUMER PARKED CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AND FIVE HOURS LATER THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE CAR EXPLODED, AND THAT WAS WHAT ALERTED THE CONSUMER TO THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNING LIGHTS ON BEFORE THE FIRE. THE CRUISE CONTROL STILL WORKED WHEN CONSUMER PARKED THE CAR. ALSO, THE BRAKES WORKED FINE WHEN SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS ONLY USED FOR LOCAL ACTIVITIES. THE CAR WAS INSPECTED IN NOVEMBER 2004 AND NOTHING WAS FOUND TO BE WRONG . THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED , AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. IN ADDITION, A POLICE REPORT AN INSURANCE COMPANY REPORT WERE TAKEN. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE IT CAUGHT THE CONSUMER DAUGHTER'S HOUSE ON FIRE. THERE WAS AT LEAST 50% DAMAGE TO THE HOUSE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO OTHER CARS THAT WERE PARKED CLOSE TO VEHICLE ON FIRE, AND DAMAGE TO OTHER PEOPLE'S PROPERTY. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD COSTUMER SERVICE, AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. SINCE THEN SHE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD'S LEGAL DEPARTMENT STATING THEY WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH HER. *AK