Ford to Recall 185,000 Trucks

DETROIT May 23, 2003; Reuters reports that - Ford Motor Co. said on Friday it would recall 185,000 pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles to inspect a steering part that might have been improperly installed and could lead to a loss of control.

Ford said the action covered 1997 model year F-150 and F-250 pickups, as well as Ford Expedition SUVs. It said it has three reports of accidents with two reports of minor injuries relating to the problem.

The automaker said an intermediate steering shaft yoke may have been improperly installed. It expects that less than 1 percent of the vehicles will actually have a problem and need to be repaired.

Ford will begin sending letters to customers next week with instructions on when to take their vehicles to dealerships. Customers will not be charged for the repairs.