The Ford Motor Company announced Wednesday a recall of 171,300 cars, light trucks and SUV's for various problems including battery fires and axle glitches.

The recall affects 92,000 of its 2003 S-Series Super Duty Trucks and Excursion SUVs for a ground problem on the battery cable that could cause problems starting or melt other nearby parts; 53,500 fleet class 2003 Crown Victorias and Town Cars for a faulty wheel bearing caused by extreme service that could cause the wheels to squeak or the vehicle to come to a stop; and 25,800 2004 Taurus, Sables and Thunderbirds for an issue with the power seat that could cause it to come loose.

Ford says 35 fires were reported on the trucks and SUVs, but no injuries or accidents have been reported on any of the above-mentioned vehicles.


The trucks and SUV's were built from December 1, 2002, through March 31, 2003, in Ford's Kentucky truck plant.

Dealers have been asked to stop selling and demonstrating the Taurus and Sable models with driver side power seats built from Nov. 17, 2003, through Jan. 15, 2004. The Thunderbirds with driver-side power seats built from Dec. 15, 2003, through Jan. 20, 2004, are involved in the recall.