A National Traffic Safety Administration investigation into reports of fires in some SUVs has also launched the industry chatter over whether the problems
Last week, the NTSA said it would investigate Ford’s Escape and Mazda Tribute SUVs of model years 2001 to 2003 in response to complaints of fires in the engine compartments of the Ford version. (The autos are different versions of the same vehicle.)
Two other complaints alleged “fire-related phenomena,” such as sparks, melted electrical connectors or smoke, in the same area, in or near the anti-lock braking system control module. In all, at least 10 separate complaints have been received, the agency said.
As has been reported, Sony has also been plagued by “exploding electronics” this year, and has recalled millions of laptop batteries. Many industry watchers speculated that the batteries, which have been problem-free for years, now contain lead-free joints.
As with the Sony battery case, there’s word yet on whether the ABS systems contain lead or lead-free solder joints. But neverthless, tongues are wagging over the possibility, and adding *ahem* fuel to the ant-lead-free fire.