Common components can lead to common problems and sometimes huge recalls.
The unfused cruise control switch that spontaneously erupts into engine compartment fires is being recalled by Mazda, which sold a version of the Ford Ranger pickup truck built in Edison, New Jersey.
All 1995 through 1997 and model year 2001 through 2003 Mazda B Series trucks equipped with the Texas Instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds) and/or anti-lock brake system (abs) and manufactured on or before December 5, 2002 are affected.
Almost 40,000 units are involved in NHTSA’s longest running and largest recall.
Ford Motor Company resisted for years recalling all of the vehicles involved, arguing unsuccessfully that engine fires, which occurred in shut off vehicles, were confined to only a few models.
Critics maintain that Ford has been reluctant to deal with the issue due to the large number of vehicles involved. All told, Ford has now recalled more than 14,000,000 vehicles for the fire problem in the U.S. alone, a record for any single safety defect.
Mazda will notify owners that dealers will install a universal fused jumper harness on the cruise control deactivation switch free of charge.
The safety recall is expected to begin on or about November 13, 2009. Owners may contact Mazda at 800-222-5500 option #6.
Customers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Mazda Pickup Truck Recall |
| Mazda/B Series/1995-1997
Mazda/B Series/2001-2003 Mfg’s Report Date: October 22, 2009 NHTSA Campaign Number: 09v-414 |
| Vehicle Speed Control |
| Number Of Units Affected: 39,600 |