NHTSA Complaint #10139568 — 1996 FORD F-150

DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 1996 FORD F150. HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER REGARDING THE SCDS ON 10-06-05. THE CONSUMER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF MOVING TO MAINE. ON 10-13-05 THE TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED OUTSIDE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONSUMER HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO TAKE THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE SCDS DISCONNECTED. THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER TOOK PICTURES OF THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE CONSUMER LIVED IN A RURAL AREA IN WHICH HE PUT OUT THE FIRE HIMSELF. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DID NOT HAVE TO BE CALLED. T HE POLICE DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONSUMER REPORTED SOMETHING SMELLED LIKE PLASTIC BURNING FOR THE PAST MONTH AND HALF PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC IN WEST VIRGINIA, HIS PREVIOUS RESIDENCE, AND THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND THE ORIGIN OF THE SMELL. THE CONSUMER REPORTED NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE TRUCK. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FIRE AND THEY HAD NOT CALLED THE CONSUMER BACK. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD AT A TOLL FREE NUMBER AND THEY TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT CONSUMER AFFAIRS WOULD BE CONTACTING HIM WITHIN SEVEN TO TEN DAYS. THE CONSUMER HAD NOT HEARD FROM FORD. *AK (11/17/05) RECALL CAMPAIGN # EA05005. *SC