FORD AND TOYOTA CALLING UP 5 MILLION VEHICLES

(09/12/2005)
Ford and Toyota, two of the world's largest automakers, has recalled nearly 5 million pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles in separate moves to respond to concerns of engine fires and problems with the power-steering system.

The recall by Ford Motor Co., the fifth-largest auto industry recall in U.S. history, involved 3.8 million pickups and SUVs from the 1994-2002 model years, including the top-selling F-150 pickup.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Ford have been investigating complaints of engine fires linked to the cruise control switch system.

Toyota Motor Company has recalled 978,000 sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks over complaints that a rod linking the steering wheel and the wheels could fracture when the steering wheel is turned while the vehicle is stopped.

The affected vehicles include the 1990-1995 4Runner SUV, 1989-1995 truck 4WD and 1993-1998 T-100 pickup.