Ford Recalls Vehicles for Wiper Switches

Ford Motor Co. recalled more than 1.08 million cars and trucks to fix a windshield wiper switch blamed for 40 fires.

Excursion sport-utility vehicles, Taurus sedans and other Fords from the 2000 and 2001 model years were recalled, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The agency report alerts vehicle owners who may have missed notices from auto makers.

Ford said no injuries or deaths were reported from parts in the recall.

Ford advises drivers of affected vehicles to avoid using wipers in the intermittent mode or with ice at the base.

DaimlerChrysler had two recalls involving 196,000 cars and trucks.

Half of DaimlerChrysler’s recalled vehicles were 2000 and 2001 Dodge Ram vans without power seats that could develop a short circuit.

The other 98,000 were Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde and other sedans recalled to install a part designed to prevent an occupant’s head from hitting the pillar behind the driver’s side door.