Ford Recalling Minivans, Pickups, SUVs

Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than half a million Mercury Villagers and F-series pickup trucks that could leak fuel and possibly catch on fire. The recall involves 435,426 Villager minivans from the 1993-98 model years. The vans can develop cracks in the fuel tank vent hose and leak fuel. The truck recall affects 1993 models of the F-150, F-250, F-350 and F-450 pickups, which have fuel tank pressure regulators that can wear out and cause leaks. There are 275,000 of the vehicles on the road. Ford also issued a recall of 1997-98 Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer sport-utility vehicles affecting 264,620 SUVs with accelerators that can stick or hesitate. Owners will be notified by mail of free repairs.