– Ford is recalling 777,742 Windstar minivans because of faulty parts that can catch fire. All the 1999 and 2000 models in the recall have a windshield wiper motor that can collect moisture and overheat, and about 525,164 of them also have a wiring problem in the air conditioner. Ford had 10 reports of wiper motor fires, and 63 reports that a wiper motor gear cover melted. No injuries were reported. Another roughly 200,000 Windstars, from the 1997-1998 model years, are being recalled because a front coil spring can corrode and fracture. Ninety-three owners told Ford the fractured spring punctured a tire, but no accidents or injuries were reported.
– BMW is recalling all 7,000 Mini cars sold in Britain after two of the cars caught fire. Static electricity can cause sparks when a fuel nozzle is inserted into the gas tank, so a cable will be installed to ground the fuel inlet. Such sparks ignited fuel vapor and caused two small fires, one at a dealership and the other during testing. No one was injured. BMW says the car will be launched across Europe this month and in the U.S. in 2002, as planned.
