Ford, Chrysler Issue Vehicle Recalls

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 640,975 cars because a problem in the engine cooling system can start a fire under the hood. The recall involves the 1995 Ford Mustang, Ford Taurus and the Taurus’ twin, the Mercury Sable.

Meanwhile, the Chrysler arm of DaimlerChrysler will recall about 585,000 sport-utility vehicles and pickups for separate problems, U.S. regulators said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Chrysler will recall 316,148 Jeep Wrangler SUVs made between June 1989 and December 1995 to fix the parking brake, which can release on its own.

Chrysler also will recall 268,740 Dodge Ram pickups to fix an alternator wire that can come loose and create a fire hazard. That recall covers 2001 model year pickups built between January and August 2000.

Ford shares rose 4 cents to close at $14.34, and DaimlerChrysler dropped 77 cents to $37.39; both trade on the NYSE.