NHTSA investigates Ford Focus for stalling
By Harry Stoffer
Automotive News / April 29, 2002
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WASHINGTON - Federal safety officials are investigating 2000-01 Ford Focus cars to determine whether a fuel tank defect causes them to begin stalling after owners have driven about 30,000 miles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it suspects that some material from the tank's interior collects on a pump screen and cuts off fuel.
The agency said unexpected hesitation or stalling is a safety hazard. The agency said it is aware of 72 complaints, seven involving crashes. About 575,000 vehicles are in service.
The agency, in a separate case, said it is probing whether brake and accelerator pedals are mounted too closely on 2000-01 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable cars equipped with adjustable pedals. There are 400,000 on the road.
NHTSA said 22 owners have reported they have repeatedly and unintentionally pressed the accelerator while stepping on the brake. The complaints include reports of five crashes.
NHTSA also is probing drivers' front airbags in the 2002 Nissan Xterra for possible electrical shorts in the steering column's clock spring or airbag module. A Nissan service bulletin and one complaint alerted the agency. About 20,000 vehicles are in service.
The agency reported other new cases, most involving electrical fires:
2000 FORD FOCUS
Problem: Fire occurs near battery in engine compartment.
Complaints: Seven, including three from an insurance company.
Vehicle population: Not determined.
1998-2000 KIA SEPHIA
Problem: Battery cable shorts out on dipstick tube, causing a fire.
Complaints: Six, plus seven other fires of undetermined origin.
Vehicle population: 134,000.
1997 NISSAN MAXIMA
Problem: Fire originates at the alternator.
Complaints: Five.
Vehicle population: 123,000.
1996 VOLVO 850; 1997 VOLVO S70, V70
Problem: Fire erupts from front seats, possibly from power adjustment mechanism or seat heater.
Complaints: Five.
Vehicle population: To be determined.
2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER, GMC ENVOY, OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA
Problem: Pinching, chafing or cutting of steering-column wiring disables various instrument and control functions.
Complaints: None; NHTSA was alerted by a technical service bulletin.
Vehicle population: 200,000.
By Harry Stoffer
Automotive News / April 29, 2002
<http://www.autonews.com/images/global/pixl.gif>
WASHINGTON - Federal safety officials are investigating 2000-01 Ford Focus cars to determine whether a fuel tank defect causes them to begin stalling after owners have driven about 30,000 miles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it suspects that some material from the tank's interior collects on a pump screen and cuts off fuel.
The agency said unexpected hesitation or stalling is a safety hazard. The agency said it is aware of 72 complaints, seven involving crashes. About 575,000 vehicles are in service.
The agency, in a separate case, said it is probing whether brake and accelerator pedals are mounted too closely on 2000-01 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable cars equipped with adjustable pedals. There are 400,000 on the road.
NHTSA said 22 owners have reported they have repeatedly and unintentionally pressed the accelerator while stepping on the brake. The complaints include reports of five crashes.
NHTSA also is probing drivers' front airbags in the 2002 Nissan Xterra for possible electrical shorts in the steering column's clock spring or airbag module. A Nissan service bulletin and one complaint alerted the agency. About 20,000 vehicles are in service.
The agency reported other new cases, most involving electrical fires:
2000 FORD FOCUS
Problem: Fire occurs near battery in engine compartment.
Complaints: Seven, including three from an insurance company.
Vehicle population: Not determined.
1998-2000 KIA SEPHIA
Problem: Battery cable shorts out on dipstick tube, causing a fire.
Complaints: Six, plus seven other fires of undetermined origin.
Vehicle population: 134,000.
1997 NISSAN MAXIMA
Problem: Fire originates at the alternator.
Complaints: Five.
Vehicle population: 123,000.
1996 VOLVO 850; 1997 VOLVO S70, V70
Problem: Fire erupts from front seats, possibly from power adjustment mechanism or seat heater.
Complaints: Five.
Vehicle population: To be determined.
2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER, GMC ENVOY, OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA
Problem: Pinching, chafing or cutting of steering-column wiring disables various instrument and control functions.
Complaints: None; NHTSA was alerted by a technical service bulletin.
Vehicle population: 200,000.
