P.M. BRIEFING : Thunderbirds, Cougars Recalled

Ford Motor Co. has recalled 119,000 Mercury Cougars and Ford Thunderbirds, including a model selected as Motor Trend magazine’s Car of the Year, because of brake or rear suspension problems.

The auto maker Wednesday said it knows of no accidents or injuries because of the problems.

Spokesman Mike Parris said the cars were assembled in Lorain, Ohio, between October, 1988, and March, 1989. Five percent to 10% of the cars were the Thunderbird SC, or Super Coupe, Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in January.

The company said that in a full turn at less than 5 m.p.h., the front suspension of the Cougars and Thunderbirds could hit part of the brake mechanism, decreasing the brakes’ effectiveness the next time they are applied.

Of those recalled, about 11,250 Thunderbirds and Cougars made in mid-January also will be checked for a part that could cause the rear suspension to fall apart. The company said 133 rear-suspension knuckles were heated improperly by a supplier.