Ford, Toyota recall millions of Pickups and SUV’s

Ford Motor Co. on Wednesday recalled nearly 4 million pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles in the United States because of the risk of engine fires.

The same day, Japanese rival Toyota Motor Corp. issued a recall for 978,000 pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles sold in the same market citing a faulty steering mechanism.

Toyota said its recalled vehicles include power-steering equipped 4Runner sport utility vehicles and compact pickups and T-100 pickups from the 1989-1996 model years.

Ford's recall of an estimated 3.8 million vehicles comes as the second-largest U.S. automaker is trying to stem steep losses in its North American automotive operations.

Ford's fourth largest recall involves the 1994-2002 model years and includes the Ford F-150 pickup as well as the Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator and Ford Bronco SUVs, reports Reuters.

According to Washington Post Ford said its inquiry found brake fluid could leak through the cruise control's deactivation switch into the system's electrical components, leading to potential corrosion. That could lead to a buildup of electrical current that could cause overheating and a fire.

Owners will be notified by mail immediately. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness to act as a circuit breaker in the system. The company said the harness would cut off electrical current to the switch if the current increases.

In January, Ford recalled nearly 800,000 vehicles from the 2000 model year because of concerns over engine fires.

"We have a solution that fixes the problem and we're confident that this is going to be the right remedy," said Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley.