Some models of sedans Ford Motor Co. are being scrutinized by US regulators for the second time since 2008 after continuing reports that the lights suddenly go out, leading motorists to deviate from the roads and sometimes shock.
The research focuses on defect of more than 500,000 model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles, NHTSA said in a notice posted on its website Friday. The agency acted after receiving a request from the Council of North Carolina consumers last year.
The agency said it had received 605 complaints from consumers who indicate failures of both dipped headlights while driving. Drivers reported hitting objects that could not see, including, in one case, a deer. There have been at least 15 accidents and one wounded.
Some consumers reported activate the beam by holding the "flash pass" levers mounted on the steering column, according to the agency. Those lights would come if the lever was released.
"We will cooperate with NHTSA on this research, as we always do," said Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker an e-mailed statement.
NHTSA previously investigated the security breach in 2008 and 2009, closing the probe without finding sufficient evidence of a defect. Ford had only received about 300 complaints at the time of the investigation, but since the company has received more than 3,000 reports of similar car owners.
Continued complaints
The Consumer Council press agency in its application to reopen the probe, citing complaints continued.
Ford officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. As part of the previous investigation, the head of security for Ford in January 2009 letter that failure rates were "significantly less" said the investigations of the agency of the past that were closed without a withdrawal. However, the letter said there was no evidence of fatigue cracking in weld joints in relays headlights, and parts must be repaired.
Neither Ford nor call center company dealers have been able to help the owners of the affected vehicles and have not been able to advise the parts are available, the group based in Raleigh North Carolina, consumers on its website.
Post a comment
Hello guest, care to post a comment?