Initial problem was that heater blower would not operate. When brought to the dealer, they determined that there had been an electrical melt-down on a component and stated that we were fortunate that we had not had a fire. They removed and replaced the motor resistor and connector. I am reporting this because when I checked for complaints regarding Escorts, there were many others that did have fires due to wiring/electrical problems.

- Avon, IN, USA

While driving at 15 mph consumer turned the heather on to warm up the vehicle and suddenly vehicle caught on fire. Flames and heavy smoke came from under the dashboard.

- Omaha, NE, USA

When the vehicle was parked, the consumer noticed smoke was coming from the vehicle, whic eventually caught on fire. The consumer called the fire department to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries. The fire department informed the consumer that the fire was electrical, and started under the dashboard.

- Onalaska, WI, USA

Vehicle's air bags deployed and dashboard caught on fire while parked in a local garage. The air bag light was coming on and off the remained on. Consumer allowed the vehicle to cool after smelling smoke. A trooper recommended having the vehicle towed. The vehicle was at a local garage locked up when the fire occurred. The windshield shattered due to the hot temperature. The fire dept. Found the vehicle was under recall for defective air bags.

- Watertown, NY, USA

Consumer states while driving on the interstates highway vehicle caught on fire. She smelled smoke, and looked down, and there were fire coming from under the dash. Dash burned up. She had vehicle towed to a dealership, but he did not diagnose the problem, just said it was the dashboard.

- Newport, VT, USA

Passenger compartment fuse blown along with tail light, turn signal, brake light and radio not functioning. Found melted wires under dash by the fuse block making the ignition bell ring without key in ignition. Smoke coming from under dash. Service dealer claims it will be in excess of $2000 to repair.

- Washington, MI, USA

While driving home from work on 12/1/2002 vehicle began to smoke near dashboard area. Vehicle stalled and was pushed into nearby parking deck. Vehicle towed to home the next day much to my surprise the entire dashboard area had caught fire. While in deck and entire dashboard and wiring system completely destroyed. Front window also sustained major fire damage.

- College Park, GA, USA

While being parked over night vehicle caught on fire internally. Owner saw windshield black, and dashboard melted. Cause of fire was unknown at this time.

- Columbia, SC, USA

The electrical problem under the dash caused the vehicle to catch fire when it was parked.

- Middletwon, CT, USA

While driving at 25 mph smoke was coming from the vents area, after parking vehicle, attempted to restart it, and vehicle would smoke again and sparks could be seen. This caused dashborad and other front area of the vehicle to burn. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Glendale, AZ, USA

The electrical problem under the dash caused the vehicle to catch fire when it was parked.

- Middletwon, CT, USA

Vehicle caught on fire under dashboard while driving. Manufacturer has been notified.

- Yuma, AZ, USA

Consumer noticed that airbag light was flashing on the dash panel Wednesday night. Then, next day the light was still flashing, and vehicle started smoking. She had vehicle parked, then she got inside of vehicle. Turned vehicle on, and it started smoking. Had moved the panel, and noticed that fire was comming from there. Another vehicle had a fre extinguisher, and put fire out. Vehicle was taken to dealership. Mechanic told her that it would take $1300 75 to fix vehicle.

- Hawthorne, CA, USA

While driving wiring harness under the dash had a short circuit on the passenger's side, causing a fire. Fire department came, and determined the cause of the problem. Dealer has not been contacted.

- Temple, GA, USA

While driving the vehicle started to smoke and die out. Vehicle was towed home. When attempting to restart, vehicle caught on fire under the dash area. Fire department was called and linked the fire to an electrical short.

- Palm Bay, FL, USA

Pulled into a parking lot and while waiting for a space heard loud banging noise. Dealer replaced crankshaft pully system. Electrical system short circuited behind fuse box and melted wiring. Additional damage still unknown. Caused dashlighting, tail lights, & reverse lights to fail.

- Raeford, NC, USA

Computer--false warnings.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA