Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
0318109/15/200310004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips. *tt11/14/2003
02090105/17/20040491637615Rough idle, low power and / or stall at idle, a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes p0300 through p0304 stored in memory. *tt12/03/2002
1151804/01/1998613779Some vehicles may exhibit concerns created by water ingestion into the integrated relay control module (ircm). *tt08/02/2000
9824612/07/1998604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( f8az - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals. *yc03/16/1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
981134502/01/1998607515Engineering is investgating vehicles exhibiting a condition in which the ignition key is difficult to turn and / or difficult to remove the from the switch. *tt09/24/1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
9705011062805/01/199752907Fuel diagnostics were computer exhibits dtc 300. *yc10/30/1997
BC10513970505/01/199752850Some vehicles may exhibit a mil (malfunction indicator lamp) and dtc (diagnostic trouble code) p1443 stored in memory with no driveability concerns. *tw09/18/1997
96251112/02/199650968Powertrain control module -reprogram powertrain control module (pcm) - service procedures - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
96251012/02/199650967Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) - diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, p0304, p0305, p0306, p0307 and/or p0308 stored in memory. *tw06/17/1997
9626512/16/199650991Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) - diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, p0304, p0305, p0306, p0307, and/or p0308 stored in memory. *tw06/17/1997
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH
986103/30/1998601309Difficulties removing key from ignition on some vehicles. *yc07/21/1998
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY
9711109723411/10/199753660Vehicles exhibiting a squeaking or chirping from the blower motor at low blower motor speeds. *yc03/30/1998
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
9922210/18/19996089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt02/11/2000
981134002/01/1998607510Information on replacing the wiring harness on some vehicles. *tt09/24/1999
98253404/01/1998603554Some vehicles may exhibit a customer concern of steady or intermittent miss with dtcs p0300 and p0304. this may be caused by a spread electrical terminal in connectors at injector. repair terminal/connector concern by using a small scre02/24/1999
9624611/18/199650905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements. *tw06/17/1997
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD
BC308097022602/26/199751683Intermittent mil lights may be due to chafing of the injector wire harness. *tw06/27/1997

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12/06/2010233000
 Air bag control diagnostic module shorted out due to ruptured heater core. when i spoke with the local dealership they told me to contact a local junk yard. there is a recall on this item. i never received a recall notice.
05/24/200560000105/01/1994
 Dt: the vehicle had an electrical short and burned up all of the wiring. *ak when the consumers wife started the vehicle she notice smoke coming from the steering column. *jb
08/18/20041
 Upon turning the vehicle on it stalled . tried starting it again and it blew up, burning completely to the back seat of the vehicle. there were no warnings or indications. *ak
03/18/2003109/21/2001
 Request for restitution of losses resulting from a vehicle fire. *mr the passenger area trans equipment/electrical wire) the consumer requested restitution. *scc the consumer stated she many mechanical problems with the vehicle. *jb
02/10/2003780001
 The vehicle caught on fire. *jb
03/15/200387000212/15/1997
 The plastic light bulb socket for my center high mount stop lamp (chmsl) has repeatedly melted causing the chmsl to not work. i have gone through two (2) sockets and they have both failed in the same manner. *jb
03/05/20031
 Brought my car in for the wiring recall and i told the dealer that there was spark knocking in the engine when it first starts and under hard acceleration. when i drive into my parents drive way my parents tell me that they know i am there because of the radio interference on the tv screen. i know a lot about electricity and i know that this is caused by noise and or shorts, bad connections what have you. i am very concerned about this because i know that the car has resistor plugs. we have also replaced the computer once and now this recall thing! we also had to replace the rear springs. when its really cold out and go to start the car the starter does not disengage and grinds on the fly wheel. it takes forever for it to warm up and it does not rarely ever warm up when its idling you have to drive it to get any heat. but overall its only left my wife stranded once. that's better than our last vehicle!! but now i wonder if this car is a ticking time bomb waiting to happen. ford may not be my next choice of vehicle in the future that is if it doesn't kill me first! *jb
02/14/20011
 Consumer came back to vehicle after a day of work and the interior was smokey, dashboard and interior were burned, adjuster stated electrical fire started in the instrument panel, claim 05-4953-366. *slc
08/04/20012
 Air bag light illuminated, the shop asked the consumer to return the vehicle in 2-3 days, during this time a fire occurred in the center module located in the console, later while the vehicle was parked at the dealership, someone noticed the module was again smoldering, claim 28-3088-664. *slc
02/19/20011
 Passenger compartment fire at dash panel, claim 18-0486-942. *slc
07/21/20011
 Vehicle burned from the outside, fire started from underneath the dashboard by the floorboards on the passenger side, possible electrical failure, claim 04-1295-042. *slc
06/19/20011
 Consumer states prior to fire, lights were flashing on the dash, there was also an odor that smelled like firecrackers, the next day was when smoke was seen coming from the vehicle, fire was in the floorboards which spread when the doors were opened, claim 35-w686-849. *slc
07/01/20001
 Consumer had left vehicle at repair shop for the transmission to be checked and to find out why a light in the dash had illuminated, consumer was informed that the heater core had a hole in it, when demanding her vehicle back, she discovered that the vehicle had caught on fire under the dash and that the windshield was burned, nobody contacted her to let her know about the fire, claim 24-5124-338. *slc
02/19/20001
 Vehicle was parked overnight and an electrical fire in the passenger compartment damaged the vehcile, claim 55-s207-197. *slc
03/12/20011
 Consumer saw smoke and some sparks come from underneath passenger front seat, the area where sparks and smoke came from is the exact same area where avr had worked, fire department stated the fire was an electrical fire centered under the seat, claim 03-3209-456. *slc
07/13/19991
 Vehicle experienced fire in the passenger compartment, fire may have started in ignition switch, consumer feels the fire may have occurred due to a prior collision, heater core leaking into the ecs module, causing a short in the wiring harness, claim 40-2188-822. *slc
02/19/20001
 Vehicle was parked overnight, an electrical fire in the passenger compartment damaged the vehicle, claim 55-s207-197. *slc
04/11/20001
 Vehicle was parked in parking lot when consumer came out and saw that it was engulfed in smoke, there was a fire in the passenger seat, claim 30-v210-873. *slc
12/18/20001
 Vehicle caught fire under dashboard, claim 53-c675-364. *slc
04/11/20001
 Vehicle was parked in a parking lot and when consumer came to his vehicle, he noticed it was engulfed in smoke and there was a fire on the passenger seat, claim 30-v210-873. *slc
12/18/20001
 Vehicle caught fire under dashboard, claim 53-c675-364. *slc
04/14/20011
 The vehicle began smoking, then caught on fire, damages are under the dash, claim 53-c737-570. *slc
06/19/20011
 Dash lights began to flash and there was an odor that smelled like a firecracker, vehicle was parked the next day when consumer noticed smoke and fire coming from the floorboards, claim 35-w686-849. *slc
04/14/20011
 Vehicle caught on fire in the passenger compartment, there is damage under the dash, claim 53-c737-570. *slc
03/12/20011
 Consumer saw smoke and sparks underneath passenger front seat, vehicle caught on fire quickly after the driver and passenger exited the vehicle, consumer also stated that the area she saw the sparks and smoke is exactly where avr had worked, the fire department stated that the fire was caused by an electrical problem centered under the seat, claim 03-3209-456. *slc
07/01/20001
 Consumer had left vehicle at repair shop for the transmission to be checked and to find out why a light in the dash had illuminated, consumer was informed that the heater core had a hole in it, when demanding her vehicle back, she discovered that the vehicle had caught on fire under the dash and that the windshield was burned, nobody contacted her to let her know about the fire, claim 24-5124-338. *slc
02/19/20001
 Vehicle was parked overnight and an electrical fire in the passenger compartment damaged the vehcile, claim 55-s207-197. *slc
04/11/20001
 Vehicle was parked in parking lot when consumer came out and saw that it was engulfed in smoke, there was a fire in the passenger seat, claim 30-v210-873. *slc
02/14/20011
 Consumer came back to vehicle after a day of work and the interior was smokey, dashboard and interior were burned, adjuster stated electrical fire started in the instrument panel, claim 05-4953-366. *slc
08/04/20012
 Air bag light illuminated, the shop asked the consumer to return the vehicle in 2-3 days, during this time a fire occurred in the center module located in the console, later while the vehicle was parked at the dealership, someone noticed the module was again smoldering, claim 28-3088-664. *slc
02/19/20011
 Passenger compartment fire at dash panel, claim 18-0486-942. *slc
07/21/20011
 Vehicle burned from the outside, fire started from underneath the dashboard by the floorboards on the passenger side, possible electrical failure, claim 04-1295-042. *slc
06/19/20011
 Consumer states prior to fire, lights were flashing on the dash, there was also an odor that smelled like firecrackers, the next day was when smoke was seen coming from the vehicle, fire was in the floorboards which spread when the doors were opened, claim 35-w686-849. *slc
04/14/20011
 The vehicle began smoking, then caught on fire, damages are under the dash, claim 53-c737-570. *slc
03/12/20011
 Consumer saw smoke and sparks underneath passenger front seat, vehicle caught on fire quickly after the driver and passenger exited the vehicle, consumer also stated that the area she saw the sparks and smoke is exactly where avr had worked, the fire department stated that the fire was caused by an electrical problem centered under the seat, claim 03-3209-456. *slc
12/18/20001
 Vehicle caught fire under dashboard, claim 53-c675-364. *slc
04/14/20011
 Vehicle caught on fire in the passenger compartment, there is damage under the dash, claim 53-c737-570. *slc
03/12/20011
 Consumer saw smoke and some sparks come from underneath passenger front seat, the area where sparks and smoke came from is the exact same area where avr had worked, fire department stated the fire was an electrical fire centered under the seat, claim 03-3209-456. *slc
07/13/19991
 Vehicle experienced fire in the passenger compartment, fire may have started in ignition switch, consumer feels the fire may have occurred due to a prior collision, heater core leaking into the ecs module, causing a short in the wiring harness, claim 40-2188-822. *slc
06/19/20011
 Dash lights began to flash and there was an odor that smelled like a firecracker, vehicle was parked the next day when consumer noticed smoke and fire coming from the floorboards, claim 35-w686-849. *slc
12/18/20001
 Vehicle caught fire under dashboard, claim 53-c675-364. *slc
02/19/20001
 Vehicle was parked overnight, an electrical fire in the passenger compartment damaged the vehicle, claim 55-s207-197. *slc
04/11/20001
 Vehicle was parked in a parking lot and when consumer came to his vehicle, he noticed it was engulfed in smoke and there was a fire on the passenger seat, claim 30-v210-873. *slc
12/10/19991
 Possible electrical failure caused the wires behind the fuse panel to short circuit and melt which could have resulted in injury if a fire occured. however, consumer experienced interior light problems when purchasing the vehicle. *yc
12/04/1998108/18/1997
 Vehicle experience electrical fire. *yc
106/12/1997
 Brake light switch and disengagement of the speed control was out of adjustment.
 At any speed intermittently vehicle shuts down, possible cause is the electrical system. dealer is not sure. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
03/18/2003109/21/2001
 Consumer requesting restitution for a house fire that was caused by a vehicle fire.*mr *ts. prior to the fire the vehicle also experienced a problem with the alternator and the brakes squeaking. *jb
07/01/1999
 While sitting at a light vehicle shut down, and engine check light came on. vehicle shut completely down due to computer module failure. also, alternator and battery died out, and engine belt, that runs everythng within the vehicle, disconnected due to the harmonic balancer that almost came off. three sensors were also replaced. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY
305/23/1997
 An electrical short circuit is occurring within vehicle which is causing vehicle battery to completely lose power. *ak consumer states radio caused battery to drain and speakers to pop, radio replaced 3 times, experiencing other electrical problems with the headlights dimming when the heater is on or when applying brakes, radiator had to be replaced, engine lights come on intermittently, and poor acceleration when going up a hill. *tt
07/01/1999
 While sitting at a light vehicle shut down, and engine check light came on. vehicle shut completely down due to computer module failure. also, alternator and battery died out, and engine belt, that runs everythng within the vehicle, disconnected due to the harmonic balancer that almost came off. three sensors were also replaced. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
09/20/200694500104/06/2001
 Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was in an idle position a smell of smoke was observed coming from underneath the dashboard. upon inspection, the engine fuse box was found to be burnt. before the smoke erupted, the airbag light illuminated for a few seconds and then blinked once. the vehicle was taken to the service dealer who determined that the condensation from the evaporator case may have dripped onto the airbag diagnostic monitor or wiring harness. the dealer refused to perform a second remedy repair under recall # 02s44. the manufacurer was contacted however they confirmed the dealer's consensus.
114697
 Heater core leaked onto the airbag monitor which caught on fire and short circuited the electrical system. *ak
305/23/1997
 An electrical short circuit is occurring within vehicle which is causing vehicle battery to completely lose power. *ak consumer states radio caused battery to drain and speakers to pop, radio replaced 3 times, experiencing other electrical problems with the headlights dimming when the heater is on or when applying brakes, radiator had to be replaced, engine lights come on intermittently, and poor acceleration when going up a hill. *tt
02/02/1999
 The horn will start to blow by itself without anyone in the car or without the car being started. fuse has to be taken out in order to stop the horn. dealer had to replace the horn and the airbag. *ak
06/01/1999201/01/1997
 Cruise control quit working a few days later i blew a fuse for the brakes lights. i replace the fuse and blew that one. at this same time i noticed that i could not shut off the air conditioning. i will contact dealer next buisness day. *ak
12/28/1998109/01/1997
 I was driving my car when it suddenly stop without notice. it was daytime and i had my 13 year old grandson with me. we got the car to the side of the road and went to the nearest house. the women advised me that her husband was a mechanic and he would look at the car when he returned from a errand. upon the mechanic arrival--not associated with ford motors--he looked at the car and said you have a fuse problem. he open the hood and the fuse compartment. after 20 seconds he push a fuse back in and the car started without problems. he advised me that loose fuses on newer fords was a major problem. my main concern is that while this happened in the day what if this happened at night while i was travelling on a dark interstate highway in the middle lane. a stall out caused my an electrical fuse failure could cause a major accident . i'm also concerned with the mechanics statement that this happens on a lot of newer ford. he also said something about auto manufacturers getting around this with silent recalls. no problem unless you complain. please let me know whether my incident is isolated or the mechanic is right that this is happening but its a silent matter.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
01/27/2003660001
 The keys became stuck in the ignition while in use. the mechanic was unable to get the keys out of the ignition, which have been stuck in the ignition for the past 2 months. *jb
08/10/20011
 Key would not come out of the ignition. consumer took vehicle to dealer and they replaced the intergrated control module. *ak *slc
2
 While driving on highway without warning vehicle will completely shut down, cause unknown. *ak the dealer had replaced the transmission twice. *yh
06/26/20000
 While driving consumer smelled smoke, stopped car , popped hood and saw fire near spark plugs, consumer indicated that fire went out by itself, consumer felt it may have been an electrical problem, and that vehicle was not safe.*ak
5
 When driving at approximately various speeds engine will stall out ,loses power. put in neutral and give it gas so it can react correctly. dealer has had vehicle five times. replaced spark plugs and wires, ignition coil. defect is stii reocurring. *ak
10/15/1996
 Failure on the engine, consumer was driving at high speed and the vehicle cut off without any warning. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
09/04/20021
 Heater core is leaking causing fluid to get into air bag sensor and as a result the air bag light flashes off/on, the engine stalls while driving dealer replaced the computer, some electrical wire were replaced because the car began to smoke.*ak *nlm
07/01/1999
 While sitting at a light vehicle shut down, and engine check light came on. vehicle shut completely down due to computer module failure. also, alternator and battery died out, and engine belt, that runs everythng within the vehicle, disconnected due to the harmonic balancer that almost came off. three sensors were also replaced. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
09/20/200694500104/06/2001
 Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was in an idle position a smell of smoke was observed coming from underneath the dashboard. upon inspection, the engine fuse box was found to be burnt. before the smoke erupted, the airbag light illuminated for a few seconds and then blinked once. the vehicle was taken to the service dealer who determined that the condensation from the evaporator case may have dripped onto the airbag diagnostic monitor or wiring harness. the dealer refused to perform a second remedy repair under recall # 02s44. the manufacurer was contacted however they confirmed the dealer's consensus.
02/24/2005780001
 While parked on dealer 's property for repairs the vehicle caught on fire. the cause was an electrical malfunction. consumer stated she only owned the vehicle for three weeks, and dealer claimed no responsibility. *ak
08/18/200499000109/18/2003
 Car stalled try to restart car caught on fire, now total loss. *ak
02/10/200398000104/03/2000
 Wiring harness break in wagon hatch causing all elec. components to malfunction, lso engine unable to shut off(with key removed from ignition). *ak
109/12/2003
 Consumer stated when vehicle was purchased 3 months ago air bag light was on and later went off. on december 22, 2003, the airbag light came on upon starting , and then air bags deployed, and smoke began to come out of the dash. vehicle caught on fire and was totaled. the fire department stated fire was due to a short in a wire. *ak
11/23/20021
 Problems with wiring harness resulting in vehicle fire. *mr while the consumer proceeded through a stop light the vehicle began to act erratically, the air bag light illuminated and the vehicle stalled out. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it later caught fire awaiting diagnosis and repair. there was a recall related to this failure but the consumer didn't received the noticed prior to the fire (recall # 02v323000). the consumer also requested reimbursement. *scc *nlm
01/08/20021
 Fire started in the dash area, all the wiring was burned, claim 31-3120-259. *slc
04/24/20011
 While vehicle was parked, the alarm went off, according to one dealership the wiring shorted out the horn and caused the airbags to need replacement, however another dealership stated that the wiring burned into the horn, claim 40-2507-626. *slc
09/04/20001
 While driving, consumer noticed something burning and pulled over, there was a short with a wire in the dash and this caused a fire, claim 60-c180-623. *slc
09/04/20001
 While driving, consumer noticed that something was burning and pulled over, there was a short with a wire in the dash, causing a fire in the passenger compartment, claim 60-c180-623. *slc
02/14/20011
 Consumer came to vehicle after a day of work and interior was smokey, dashboard and interior were burned, electrical fire from the instrument panel, claim 05-4593-366. *slc
08/04/20011
 Vehicle quit running due to electrical fire in passenger compartment, claim 28-3088-664. *slc
01/08/20021
 Dash was on fire and all wiring was burned, claim 31-3120-259. *slc
09/30/20011
 While driving to the store, vehicle caught on fire due to a loose wire, one person was injured, claim 40-2555-468. *slc
04/24/20011
 Vehicle was parked when alarm sounded, dealership stated that the wiring shorted out the horn, another dealership stated that the wiring burned into the horn, claim 40-2507-626. *slc
09/30/20011
 While driving, vehicle caught on fire from a loose wire, one person was injured, claim 40-2555-468. *slc
1
 Air bag light illuminated and vehicle was taken to a shop, the shop asked consumer to bring vehicle back in 2-3 days, however a fire occurred in the center module located in the console, claim 28-3088-664. *slc
02/19/20011
 Vehicle experienced passenger compartment fire at dash panel, claim 18-0486-942. *slc
07/21/20011
 Vehicle burned from the inside, possibly electrical, fire started from underneath the dashboard by the floorboard on the passenger side, claim 04-1295-042. *slc
01/08/20021
 Dash was on fire and all wiring was burned, claim 31-3120-259. *slc
09/30/20011
 While driving to the store, vehicle caught on fire due to a loose wire, one person was injured, claim 40-2555-468. *slc
04/24/20011
 While vehicle was parked, the alarm went off, according to one dealership the wiring shorted out the horn and caused the airbags to need replacement, however another dealership stated that the wiring burned into the horn, claim 40-2507-626. *slc
09/04/20001
 While driving, consumer noticed something burning and pulled over, there was a short with a wire in the dash and this caused a fire, claim 60-c180-623. *slc
01/08/20021
 Fire started in the dash area, all the wiring was burned, claim 31-3120-259. *slc
04/24/20011
 Vehicle was parked when alarm sounded, dealership stated that the wiring shorted out the horn, another dealership stated that the wiring burned into the horn, claim 40-2507-626. *slc
02/19/20011
 Vehicle experienced passenger compartment fire at dash panel, claim 18-0486-942. *slc
07/21/20011
 Vehicle burned from the inside, possibly electrical, fire started from underneath the dashboard by the floorboard on the passenger side, claim 04-1295-042. *slc
09/04/20001
 While driving, consumer noticed that something was burning and pulled over, there was a short with a wire in the dash, causing a fire in the passenger compartment, claim 60-c180-623. *slc
02/14/20011
 Consumer came to vehicle after a day of work and interior was smokey, dashboard and interior were burned, electrical fire from the instrument panel, claim 05-4593-366. *slc
09/30/20011
 While driving, vehicle caught on fire from a loose wire, one person was injured, claim 40-2555-468. *slc
08/04/20011
 Vehicle quit running due to electrical fire in passenger compartment, claim 28-3088-664. *slc
1
 Air bag light illuminated and vehicle was taken to a shop, the shop asked consumer to bring vehicle back in 2-3 days, however a fire occurred in the center module located in the console, claim 28-3088-664. *slc
 While driving engine check light illuminated, causing vehicle to stall. consumer shut engine off, resulting in vehicle not restarting. consumer tried to investigate, and found the antifreeze fluid overflowing, and causing electrical wires to melt. *ak
1005/01/1997
 Intermittently headlights become inoperable. headlights would not come on when ca ris warm. if consumer runs the car for an hour with headlights on, then shuts car and lights off, then turns sit back on within an hour or two, headlights will not come on. dealer checked and replaced relay, but still didn't fix the problem. possible faulty wiring. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD
03/06/2005140000112/20/2004
 While driving at 60 mph both frontal air bags deployed inadvertently. consumer drove vehicle to dealer. while talking to a manufacturer's representative via phone vehicle caught on fire less then 15 minutes while parked. the fire appeared to have started under the hood on the passenger's side. the local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. the cause of the fire was determined to be electrical.*ak
08/18/200499000109/01/2003
 After parking the vehicle for a few seconds vehicle caught on fire from under the hood near the firewall. local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. dealer was not notified. *ak
04/25/199810/01/2097
 My late son's (robert d. lawrence iii) 1997 ford escort caught fire while sitting parked, with the engine turned off, on voters road in slidell, la. mechanic advised fire started around the air conditioner. contacted ford dealer and the ford company, but received no information or advice. both ignored his complaintand stonewalled him.. robert iii's insurance company (safeway)paid off a total loss to ford and left my late son with over $4,000 still due. ford motor credit sued him for the balance just before he died on july 16, 2002. the vehicle is sitting in my yard if investigators from the nhtsa would like to see it in connection with the current investigation into sudden fires in 1997 ford escorts. ford should, at least, drop their lawsuit. they should have given the boy another car when that one caught fire.*ak
04/10/2001105/01/1997
 While traveling and without any indication vehicle stalled. consumer had vehicle towed, and technician noticed that electrical wiring harness was burned out. *ak *slc
 While driving vehicle caught on fire under the hood, cause unknown.. *ak
10/03/1997105/01/1997
 Electrical fire due to faulty wires.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
11/10/200482610108/25/1997
 Initial problem was that heater blower would not operate. when brought to the dealer, they determined that there had been an electrical melt-down on a component and stated that we were fortunate that we had not had a fire. they removed and replaced the motor resistor and connector. i am reporting this because when i checked for complaints regarding escorts, there were many others that did have fires due to wiring/electrical problems. *jb
02/22/2004744581
 While driving at 15 mph consumer turned the heather on to warm up the vehicle and suddenly vehicle caught on fire. flames and heavy smoke came from under the dashboard. *ak
06/28/200472000104/16/2003
 When the vehicle was parked, the consumer noticed smoke was coming from the vehicle, whic eventually caught on fire. the consumer called the fire department to extinguish the fire. there were no injuries. the fire department informed the consumer that the fire was electrical, and started under the dashboard. *ak *sc *jb
09/21/20031
 Vehicle's air bags deployed and dashboard caught on fire while parked in a local garage.*mr the air bag light was coming on and off the remained on. consumer allowed the vehicle to cool after smelling smoke. a trooper recommended having the vehicle towed. the vehicle was at a local garage locked up when the fire occurred. the windshield shattered due to the hot temperature. the fire dept. found the vehicle was under recall for defective air bags. *ph
08/06/20031
 Consumer states while driving on the interstates highway vehicle caught on fire. she smelled smoke, and looked down, and there were fire coming from under the dash. dash burned up. she had vehicle towed to a dealership, but he did not diagnose the problem, just said it was the dashboard. *ak
04/20/2003108/17/2000
 Passenger compartment fuse blown along with tail light, turn signal, brake light and radio not functioning. found melted wires under dash by the fuse block making the ignition bell ring without key in ignition. smoke coming from under dash. service dealer claims it will be in excess of $2000.00 to repair.*jb
12/01/200204/01/2097
 While driving home from work on 12/1/2002 vehicle began to smoke near dashboard area. vehicle stalled and was pushed into nearby parking deck. vehicle towed to home the next day much to my surprise the entire dashboard area had caught fire. while in deck and entire dashboard and wiring system completely destroyed. front window also sustained major fire damage. dt
 While being parked over night vehicle caught on fire internally. owner saw windshield black, and dashboard melted. cause of fire was unknown at this time. please describe details. *ak
07/11/20011
 The electrical problem under the dash caused the vehicle to catch fire when it was parked. *yh
08/01/2001
 While driving at 25 mph smoke was coming from the vents area, after parking vehicle, attempted to restart it, and vehicle would smoke again and sparks could be seen. this caused dashborad and other front area of the vehicle to burn. feel free to provide any further information. *ak
07/11/20011
 The electrical problem under the dash caused the vehicle to catch fire when it was parked. *yh
03/02/2001
 Vehicle caught on fire under dashboard while driving. manufacturer has been notified.*ak
08/03/20000
 Consumer noticed that airbag light was flashing on the dash panel wednesday night. then, next day the light was still flashing, and vehicle started smoking. she had vehicle parked, then she got inside of vehicle. turned vehicle on, and it started smoking. had moved the panel, and noticed that fire was comming from there. another vehicle had a fre extinguisher, and put fire out. vehicle was taken to dealership. mechanic told her that it would take $1300 75 to fix vehicle. *ak
 While driving wiring harness under the dash had a short circuit on the passenger's side, causing a fire. fire department came, and determined the cause of the problem. dealer has not been contacted.*ak
 While driving the vehicle started to smoke and die out. vehicle was towed home. when attempting to restart, vehicle caught on fire under the dash area. fire department was called and linked the fire to an electrical short. please provide any further details. *ak
111/01/1997
 Pulled into a parking lot and while waiting for a space heard loud banging noise. dealer replaced crankshaft pully system. electrical system short circuited behind fuse box and melted wiring. additional damage still unknown. caused dashlighting, tail lights, & reverse lights to fail. *ak
40
 Computer--false warnings.