Ford Recalling 351,000 Focus Cars

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) â€” Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday that it was voluntarily recalling more than 351,000 Focus subcompact cars with at least one of three suspected defects. <br><br>There have been no reports

Tuesday, October 17th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) â€” Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday that it was voluntarily recalling more than 351,000 Focus subcompact cars with at least one of three suspected defects.

There have been no reports of accidents resulting from any of the possible problems with the vehicles' cruise control cables, rear wheel and brake drum assemblies or A-pillar interior trim, Ford said in a statement.

Owners of 33,225 model year 2000 Focus cars will be asked to return them to dealers to have the cruise control cable inspected and, if necessary, replaced. Ford has received 12 reports of the throttle sticking open following wide-open throttle application, the statement said.

Owners of 260,390 model year 2000 Focus vehicles will be asked to have the vehicles' rear wheel hub assemblies inspected and replaced if necessary. Ford said it has received 15 reports of rear wheel and brake drum assemblies separating when the hub retaining nut that secures the rear wheel bearings became loose.

Ford also asked owners of 351,102 Focus vehicles to have them upgraded to meet new federal standards for protecting drivers and passengers against head injuries. Dealers will install new A-pillar trim panels with improved energy-absorbing material.

The automaker will notify owners of the affected vehicles to arrange with dealers for free repairs.

A California state judge last week ordered the automaker to recall 1.7 million Fords in that state to check ignition systems with an alleged design flaw said to cause the vehicles to stall while moving. Ford says said the vehicles and their ignition systems are safe.

The automaker already is involved in recalling 6.5 million Firestone tires â€” standard equipment on Ford Explorers â€” that are being investigated in connection with more than 100 highway deaths.

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On the Web: http://www.ford.com