Ford recall due to fire risk

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Ford recall: Gas tanks could snap off

Vehicles involved include flagship Ford Five Hundred sedan, Freestyle wagon, Mercury Montego.

November 16, 2005; Posted: 2:37 p.m. EST (1937 GMT)

DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday it is recalling nearly 226,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada, including its flagship Ford Five Hundred sedan and Freestyle wagon, because of fire risks.

Vehicles involved in the recall are from the 2005 model year and include the Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car, Mercury Grand Marquis and Montego sedans, Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley said.

Ford is recalling 127,493 Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego sedans and Freestyle wagons because the straps that secure the fuel tank to the vehicle body may break, causing the fuel tank and fuel tank heat shield to drop onto the driveshaft or exhaust system, the automaker and U.S. safety regulators said.

This could cause a fuel leak and result in a fire in these vehicles, according to the Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The automaker is recalling 98,444 Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis sedans because on certain vehicles the battery cable may scrape on an attaching bolt and could lead to a fire.

No injuries or accidents have been linked to the recall, Kinley said.

The recall comes as Ford is trying to stem steep losses in its North American division and to improve the overall quality of its products. It also follows a high-profile recall of some of its best-selling pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.

Ford recalled nearly 4 million vehicles in September because of the risk of engine fires.