Subject: 
Court Allows California Class Action Against Ford for Spark-Plug Blowouts to Proceed; Nixes National Class and  Other  State  Classes*


Thu, 11 Aug 2005 14:26:24 -0400
Date:    





Court Allows California Class Action Against Ford for Spark-Plug Blowouts to Proceed; Nixes 
National Class and  Other  State  Classes*

The Los Angeles County Superior Court has allowed a case brought on behalf of California 
owners of certain 1997-2004 Ford vehicles to proceed as a class action. It refused to allow 
the case to go forward on behalf of a national class or on behalf of state classes (other than 
California).  

Ford owners from California, New Jersey, Iowa, Texas and Kentucky allege in the complaint 
they filed that the heads and spark plugs on the vehicles are defective and dangerous and 
have sued Ford to compel a recall as well as for damages for repairs that were required 
(average repair = $3000).

The spark plugs shoot out of the cylinder port suddenly and with great force (usually after the  
mileage exceeds 50,000), sometimes puncturing the hood, and, often, so damaging the 
engine that a new engine is required.  Fire and explosion are likely if the plugs puncture 
nearby fuel lines.  The sudden explosion of the plug out of the head often causes drivers to 
be startled and lose control of the vehicle momentarily.  The vehicles always lose power and, 
often, stall.  .  

It is believed that Ford produced a replacement cylinder head with an improved design in 
2004.  It has not advised owners that this part is now available, has not issued a voluntary 
recall, has not reported the widespread safety problem to the NHTSA (as it is required to by 
law), and has not warned the public and its owners of the danger.  Plaintiffs in the case 
allege a cover-up.

Although NHTSA has received hundreds of complaints from angry owners, it has not 
instituted an investigation and ordered a recall. Plaintiffs in the suit are filing a formal 
petition for an investigation and recall by NHTSA. 

Further information on the problem (including court pleadings) are on the worldwide web 
at  www.forddefects.com