NHTSA Complaint #10273187 — 2001 FORD FOCUS

OUR DAUGHTERS 2001 FORD FOCUS CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE, BURNED INTO THE CABIN. THE CAR WAS OFF AND PARKED IN A LOT. WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP WHEN IT WAS 3 YEARS OLD, AND HAVE NEVER BEEN TOLD OF THIS PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED. WE ARE SO FORTUNATE THAT OUR DAUGHTER WAS NOT INJURED, NOR THAT ANYONE ELSE OR PROPERTY WAS DAMAGED. SHE HAD ONLY BEEN OUT OF THE CAR FOR ABOUT 4-6 MINUTES BEFORE IT ERUPTED IN FLAMES. PRIOR TO THAT THE CAR APPEARED TO DRIVE FINE. NO SMELLS, NO WARNING LIGHTS. VERY SCARY. I FELT THAT I NEED TO TELL SOMEONE, AS THE INSURANCE COMPANY, APPEARS TO WANT TO JUST SETTLE THE CLAIM, WITH NO INVESTIGATION. HOW ARE WE TO MAKE CARS SAFER, IF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES, THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE, DON'T NOTIFY ANYONE? *TR