2008 FORD TAURUS X Structure Problems

VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED AND TURNED OFF FOR AT LEAST 4 HOURS. A FIRE WAS REPORTED TO MY SON WHO BORROWED IT FOR WORK. HE USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER UNTIL THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. THE FD DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND PUT OUT THE REMAINING FIRE. IN THEIR REPORT STATED THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL AND STARTED UNDER THE FRONT DASH. THE MIDDLE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASH IS COMPLETE DESTROYED AND MELTED. LOCAL FORD DEALER, BYERLY FORD ESTIMATED $4600 OF DAMAGE. ALSO STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS TOO INTENSE AND CAUSE SO MUCH HEAT DAMAGE THAT A CAUSE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. SUBMITTED CLAIM TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NO MANUFACTURER OR DESIGN ISSUE AND WOULD NOT PROCEED WITH ANY ACTION. CAR WAS SERVICED REGULARLY AND HAD NO MECHANICAL ISSUES. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD TAURUS X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD RELEASE LEVER IS LOCATED DIRECTLY TO THE LEFT OF THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN HE ATTEMPTS TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE PARKING BRAKE, IT IS EASY TO ACCIDENTALLY PRESS THE HOOD RELEASE LEVER. AS A RESULT, THE HOOD OPENS. THE CONTACT FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 7,428. UPDATED 03-18-08 *BF UPDATED 03/18/08 *TR