About half of the pros we hang around with drive a Ford. So when we see a recall for a Ford F-150 we take notice. This one looks like it’s mostly an issue for some vehicles – and only in the event of a side-impact crash. In either case, it’s something to take care of immediately so that you remain safe in the event that the situation occurs as indicated. The second recall deals with a potential short in Hoover WindTunnel Canister Vacuums.
2009-2010 Ford F-150 Door Latch Recall
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Mfr’s Report Date: Jan 28, 2011
Component: Vehicle Door
Potential Number of Units Affected: 280,946
Summary: Ford is recalling certain Model Year 2009 and 2010 F-150 Vehicles manufactured from February 18, 2008, through November 30, 2009. The interior door handle embossment which retains the interior door handle spring may fracture during normal usage resulting in insufficient spring force to return the handle to the fully stowed position.
Consequence: In the event of a side impact crash, the door handle spring can fail, causing the door latch to open.
Remedy: Owners will be initially notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer if any interior door handle is loose or fails to return to the stowed position after activation for replacement of the affected module. Once parts become available, owners will be re-notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer for inspection of each interior door handle. Depending on the results of the inspection, the dealer will either add a spring embossment reinforcement or replace the interior door handle module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about February 14, 2011. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Hoover WindTunnel Canister Vacuum Recall
In other news, Hoover issued a recall on its WindTunnel Bagless Canister vacuums for a situation where a short can occur in the power cord between the power nozzle and the wand connector, posing fire and shock hazards to consumers. What’s of particular concern here is that this short can occur even if the vacuum has been turned off but left plugged in.
Name of Product: Hoover WindTunnel Canister Vacuums
Units: About 142,000
Importer: Hoover Inc., of Glenwillow, Ohio
Hazard: The power cord between the power nozzle and the wand connector can short-circuit posing fire and shock hazards to consumers. This condition can occur even if the vacuum has been turned off but left plugged in.
Incidents/Injuries: Hoover has received 69 reports of overheating or electrical malfunction, including one report of fire and smoke damage, and two reports of carpet damage. There has been one report of a minor injury.
Description: This recall involves the Hoover WindTunnel Bagless Canister Vacuum model S3755. The vacuum is silver and black in color, and comes with a power nozzle. The model number can be found on a label on the bottom of the canister.
Sold at: Mass merchandisers, department stores and independent vacuum retailers nationwide and online from March 2003 to December 2008 for between $250 and $280.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vacuum cleaners and contact Hoover for a free repair.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hoover toll-free at (888) 564-2066 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.hoover.com/windtunnelcanisterrecall
