Ford Explorers: Or is it Ford "Exploders"?

Ford vehicles are still bursting into flames, often leaving little more than the frame. Some vehicles were covered by the recall and some were not.

In one of the biggest recalls of automotive history last September 2005, Ford warned almost four million owners of pick-up trucks and SUVs of possible fires. Ford Explorers should be on its lengthy recall list.

Barry Hurd, Marysville, Washington:
"December 5, 2005. I had a 2001 Ford Explorer that spontaneously caught on fire after being parked 45 minutes - it just blew up.

I was inside my house having lunch when my neighbor banged on my door and told me; indeed it was on fire. The fire was so intense that it melted everything; firemen put out the flames but by the time they arrived, the magnesium had lit on fire and once that happened, the car was gone. Just a minor frame was left.

The gas tank leaked out a little but I wasn't too thrown off. I was more concerned that the neighbors didn't get too close; they wanted to see what a $25,000 bonfire looked like.

I sent in a complaint/inquiry form to Ford but I haven't heard back from them. Apparently there are two potential defects on the car that can cause a fire: the running board light and the motor for the windshield wiper and cruise control. I immediately went in and got a rental that my insurance covered for a few weeks, then I bought a cheap car. I had a mechanical extended warranty that had just expired.

I spoke with the National Highway and Traffic Safety Association and they are pressing Ford to do a recall. I hope that Ford calls me back but I don't think they will, due to possible recall. I'm sure they are too scared to admit any wrongdoing and If I do here from Ford it will probably be from one of their attorneys."