NHTSA Complaint #10188784 — 2000 FORD WINDSTAR

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2000 FORD WINDSTAR VAN HOME WHEN SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SOON AFTER SEEING THE SMOKE, SHE SAW FIRE. SHE QUICKLY PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT, GOT OUR 2 KIDS ( AGE 5 AND 7 ) OUT OF THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE FROM A BUSINESS . THEY PROCEEDED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER. IT WAS THERE THAT THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED US THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE SAME FAULTY PART THAT IS CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL IN THE F-150'S AND OTHER FORD PRODUCTS. I WAS TOLD IT IS THE SAME REPLACEMENT PART AND THE REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR THE BURNT WIRING IS A FORD AUTHORIZED REPAIR. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY INFORMED ME THERE IS NOT CAUSE FOR ALARM OR CONCERN WITH THE WINDSTAR. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT ONLY THE NHTSA CAN ISSUE A RECALL. FORD DID NOT OFFER ANY HELP WITH OUR EXPENSES THAT WE INCURRED DUE TO THIS FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL CUTOFF SWITCH LOCATED ON THE MASTER CYLINDER. WE ARE VERY LUCKY THAT NO ONE WAS HURT IN THIS INCIDENT. I JUST HOPE AND PRAY THAT NO ONE ELSE HAS TO GO THROUGH THIS TERRIFYING ORDEAL. *JB