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Recalled: Ford Ranger and Explorer

Ford Motor Company

Models: Ford Explorer Sport Years: 2000-2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Years: 2000-2001 Ford Ranger Year: 2001

Number Involved: 137,700 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in November and December 2000 and urged consumers to have the problems fixed promptly.

Dates of Manufacture: September 1999 - October 2000

Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles with steel hoods and certain pickup trucks equipped with sheet molding compound hoods, a wire-formed hood striker could be susceptible to fatigue fractures. If the hood striker fractures, the hood could fly open while the vehicle is being driven. A hood fly-up while the vehicle is being operated could result in reduced driver visibility and a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the hood striker. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 4, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V394/Ford Recall No. 00S45]

Ford Motor Company

Models: Ford Explorer Years: 1999-2000

Number Involved: 100,500

Dates of Manufacture: June 1998 - November 1999

Defect: Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with the 3.27 or 3.55 axle ration have a Powertrain Control Module that could allow the vehicle to exceed the design intent top speed. At these extreme speeds, the vehicle could be capable of exceeding the speed rating of the tire. Operating the vehicle above the maximum speed rating could lead to a tire failure, which could result in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 4, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V395/Ford Recall No. 00S46]