KEY POINTS:
Ford New Zealand is investigating whether three models of its sport utility vehicles sold in New Zealand need to be recalled so their cruise control switches can be deactivated.
Ford in the United States is recalling 3.6 million vehicles in response to customer concerns about the safety of the switch, which shuts off the cruise control when the driver firmly steps on the brakes.
Fluid leaking from the switch can cause it to short-circuit, resulting in a fire, a problem that led to recalls in 2005 and 2006.
Possible New Zealand models listed in the US recall are Ford Explorer
SUV 1991-2001, Ford Explorer Sport SUV 2001-2002 and Ford Explorer Sport Trac SUV 2001-2002.
