Ford is recalling more than half a million minivans to repair parts that could corrode and affect vehicle handling. The action involves Ford Windstar minivans from the 1999 to 2003 model years that were sold in cold-weather areas where salt is routinely used to de-ice roads.
2010 may be the year of the car recall, with the U.S.'s six-largest suppliers recalling more than 19 million vehicles over the last 12 months. Toyota, which recalled about 7 million cars this year, tops the list. General Motors, at about 4 million, came in second.
Ford is expanding this summer's recall of Windstar minivans to replace axles that may crack after exposure to road salt. The automaker is adding 37,000 units in the U.S. and Canada to the original 575,000 Windstars from the 1998 to 2003 model years it recalled in August.
Federal regulators are urging owners of previously recalled Ford vehicles to get them fixed to prevent the possibility of engine fires. Only about 40% of the 17.5 million Ford cars, trucks, vans and motor homes recalled have so far been brought in for repairs.
