February 19, 2003
Ford is recalling about 441,000 of its 1997 Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer cars worldwide to install a protective shield over the airbag sensors.
Ford says it has had at least 159 reports of unintended airbag deployment, causing an unspecified number of injuries, mostly arm and facial abrasions. At least eight lawsuits have reportedly been filed as a result of the incidents.
Earlier this year, the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency (NHTSA) notified Ford that it was investigating reports of electrical fires and unintended airbag deployment in the cars. NHTSA said a contaminated airbag monitor was the suspected cause.
Ford says its inquiry found that the airbag monitors could become contaminated from fluid leaks or condensation. The company said very few of the monitors have exhibited problems but it decided to recall all of the affected models to install a shield and waterproof grease.
The company said that most of the affecgted cars were sold in the U.S., although some were also sold in Canada, Mexico and elsewhere.
