Ford Focus Faces Safety Probes Government Opens New Safety Investigations Into
Ford Focus Over Engine, Suspension
By NEDRA PICKLER
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Safety officials have opened two new investigations
into the Ford Focus, this time amid complaints the engine can suddenly
stall and the front suspension can collapse.
The government has
begun six investigations into the popular subcompact this year. Tim
Hurd, a spokesman for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
said Thursday he cannot recall the government's ever having as many
investigations into one vehicle at the same time.
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Seventy-two people
told NHTSA that the Focus stalled while they were driving, including
seven who crashed. Seven people reported the front suspension control
arm fractured while they were driving, leading to six crashes.
The investigation
into engine stall involves 574,700 cars from the 2000 and 2001 model
years, the first two years of production. The suspension investigation
also includes the 2002 model year.
The Focus is the
country's fifth-best-selling car, trailing only the Honda Accord, Toyota
Camry, Ford Taurus and Honda Civic. But it has been plagued with safety
problems, already having been recalled eight times for problems ranging
from faulty seat latches and windshield wipers to a throttle that can
stick open.
Two of NHTSA's other
open investigations involve possible air bag malfunctions, while the
remaining were prompted by reports the rear wheel bearings could fail
and the engine could catch fire.
NHTSA investigators
said the alleged engine stall problem may be caused by debris accumulating
in the gas tank, blocking fuel from being delivered to the engine.
NHTSA also is stepping
up its investigation into nearly half a million General Motors Corp.
vehicles after 28 crashes were blamed on a possible steering problem.
More than 1,200 people have complained that the steering rack and pinion
suddenly locked up while they were driving.
The investigation
involves the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue and 1997 models of the Pontiac
Grand Prix, Pontiac Tran Sport, Chevrolet Venture, Chevrolet Malibu,
Oldsmobile Silhouette and Oldsmobile Cutlass.
The problem can
cause the driver to lose steering control. GM reported six crashes in
which eight people were hurt, but no injuries or deaths were reported
in the other 22 crashes.
NHTSA opens any
investigation with a preliminary inquiry, in which the agency and the
manufacturer exchange paperwork. That is the stage of the Focus investigations.
The agency can upgrade
the case to an engineering analysis if it wants to examine the vehicle
in detail for a possible safety defect. The GM investigation is in this
stage.
NHTSA's investigations
can lead to a recall, but many are dropped.
Spokesmen for Ford
and General Motors would not comment on the investigations except to
say the companies are cooperating with the agency.
NHTSA also opened
a preliminary investigation into about 75,000 Toyota T100 pickups from
the 1993 through 1998 model years. Fourteen people have complained to
the agency that the clutch pedal mounting bracket or the firewall where
it attaches will fracture while driving.
The problem would
stop the clutch from disengaging when the pedal is pressed and could
cause the vehicle to move unintentionally, the engine to stall or stopping
distances to increase.
