Ford to Recall US Police Cars

(Akron/Tire Review) The Ford Motor Co. plans to recall more than 109,000 Crown Victoria police cars due to cracks that can develop in the steel wheels that could cause rapid air loss in tyres during high-speed pursuits. The recall affects certain 2003-2005 models. According to the NHTSA, the cracks can form near the weld line that connects the rim to the wheel disk. The stress on wheels during pursuits is much greater than during normal driving because of police techniques, Ford stated.

Ford added that the cracks have been reported in a small percentage of the wheels, which had been covered by an extended warranty program. Dan Jarvis, a spokesman for Ford, said police departments have reported two crashes that they attributed to the wheel problem, but Ford is disputing the claims. No injuries were associated with the two crashes.