Old news, as far as I can tell, greatly overblown. Ford expanded to cover
trucks that apparently aren't at risk to allay concerns of the public.

No injuries, only affects certain Crown Victorias and Grand Marquis

Proactive recall. From
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-11-16-money-ford-recall_x.htm :

"The automaker discovered the problem during durability testing of a future
model of the Five Hundred at very high mileage.

"The company's investigation found that the manufacturer of the strap
changed to a weaker grade of steel in December 2004 that could not meet
Ford's durability requirements. Ford declined to disclose the supplier's
identity.

"At mileage levels of 100,000 and more, the automaker was concerned the
strap would separate and cause the fuel tank to drop. Most 2005 vehicles
would not likely have approached those mileage levels yet, but "it's still
not a risk that we want to take," Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley said."

Seems like a very good thing. I suppose they could take Toyota's approach -
deny, deny, deny, lie, cover up, fight like hell, lie some more, finally
cave when it is apparent they are going to loose.

Or anything else if you are waiting for the perfect car.

For example:

"Toyota Motor Corp., meanwhile, recalled 978,000 sport utility vehicles and
pickup trucks over complaints that a rod linking the steering wheel and the
wheels could fracture when the steering wheel is turned while the vehicle is
stopped. The affected vehicles include the 1990-1995 4Runner SUV, 1989-1995
truck 4WD and 1993-1998 T-100 pickup."

"Toyota Motor Co. said Wednesday it would recall 345,000 Sienna minivans
because the seat belt in some seating positions may become difficult to
retract when unbuckled."

"In August 2003, Toyota recalled more than 30,000 Sienna minivans from the
2004 model year because of concern that the fuel tank was prone to damage
and could cause a fire."

"National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls 2001, 2002 and 2003
Toyota Tacoma.

"On certain pickup trucks, during side impact testing, a flange at the rear
end of the double cab body deformed and interfered with the fuel inlet hose
that connects the fuel filler pipe and fuel tank, resulting in damage to the
fuel inlet hose. This damage could result in fuel leakage, which could
result in a fire if in the presence of an ignition source"

"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall for
2002 - 2003 Toyota Celica.

"The fuel tank check valve, located in the fuel tank inlet pipe, may become
separated from the inlet pipe and fall into the fuel tank. If the check
valve falls into the tank, fuel may spill from the fuel inlet pipe when the
fuel pump automatically shuts off during fueling. This condition may result
a fire in the presence of an ignition source. Owners may contact Toyota at
(800) 331-4331"

"Toyota is recalling 11,592 2005 Tacoma pickups with bench seats in the U.S.
NHTSA said the seatbelt-buckle sensor may not function as designed, which
could cause the airbag to deploy improperly in a crash."

"WASHINGTON - Toyota Motor Corp., in one of its largest safety recalls ever,
said Tuesday it is recalling more than 750,000 pickup trucks and sport
utility vehicles because of problems with the front suspension that could
hinder steering.
"The company said the recall covers 774,856 vehicles in the United States,
including the 2001-2004 model years of the Tacoma, the 2001-2002 versions of
the 4Runner and the 2002-2004 model years of the Tundra and Sequoia.

"Toyota said the surface of a ball joint which connects to the front
suspension may have been scratched when it was manufactured, which could
lead to wear and tear over time."

"Toyota is recalling 128,000 Camry's because some side air bags may not work
properly."

I picked on Toyota becasue people seem to think Toyota's are perfect. This
list took about 2 minutes to compile and only covers a few of the recent
Toyota recalls. And these recalls were mostly forced by NHSA despite
Toyota's best effrots to fight them off. When you have some time, go to the
NHTSA website and read the documents connected to the balljoint recall.
Toyota stalled the recall for over a year despite overwhelming evidence of a
problem.

I think it is fine that you want to alert people to Ford recalls, just don't
try to act like Ford is the only manufacturer that has problems from time to
time.

Ed

Regards,

Ed White