WASHINGTON (AP) _ The U.S. government said Friday it was
re-examining a 2004 recall of Audi sedans for wiring problems after
it received six reports of fires starting in the driver's side
dashboard.
In March 2004, Audi recalled about 173,000 models of the A6, S6
and Allroad Quattro vehicles made between 1998 and 2004. But the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it has recently
received the reports of fires in A6 sedans from the 1998-2004 model
years.
It will investigate whether the recall was adequate.
Audi spokesman Patrick Hespen said the automaker had not yet
received information about the inquiry but would co-operate with
NHTSA in the review.
The government, meanwhile, opened separate investigations on
models from Ford Motor Co., Chrysler Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp.
An estimated 700,000 models of Ford Super Duty trucks from the
1999-2001 model years are being investigated following 31 complaints
of engine stalling. Owners said the engines stalled without warning
and they experienced diminished steering and braking. Three
low-speed crashes have been reported and no one was injured.
Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley said the automaker was working
with NHTSA but it was too early to determine the investigation's
outcome.
In the Chrysler investigation, NHTSA said it was reviewing a 2004
recall of about 38,000 Chrysler Pacifica sport utility vehicles
because of engine stalling. There have been 60 complaints of similar
problems in 2004-2006 vehicles. No crashes or injuries have been
reported.
DaimlerChrysler AG spokesman Max Gates said they would work with
the agency as the investigation proceeds.
NHTSA is also investigating 2004-2005 model years of the Toyota
Sienna minivans equipped with run-flat tires. A dozen owners have
complained about the tire pressure warning system, saying the
warning light did not warn of low tire pressure.
Run-flat tires, allowing motorists to drive under 88 km/h for up
to 160 kilometres without air pressure, are standard on all-wheel
drive Sienna models, spokesman Sam Butto said. He said Toyota was
co-operating in the investigation.