WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal regulators are looking into 130 complaints that fires occurred in the engine compartments of Ford Windstar mid-size vans from the 1995-2003 model years.
A preliminary investigation shows 65 of the complaints allege the speed control deactivation switch caused the fires, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In four cases, fires began after the switch allegedly leaked brake fluid onto the anti-lock braking system module. Two of those who complained said the fires damaged their homes, the agency said.
Ford Motor Co. said it doesn't believe there is an elevated risk of fire in the vehicles and is cooperating with government's investigation, spokeswoman Jennifer Moore said Monday.
Moore says the automaker has received no reports of deaths or injuries related to the alleged problems.
The automaker said there are 1.7 million of the vans and they are equipped with 3.0- or 3.8-liter V-6 engines.
NHTSA's defect investigations sometimes lead to vehicle recalls.
Ford shares fell 3 cents to $8.08 in afternoon trading Monday.