Ford Issues Recall Over Handles and Hoses

More than 180,000 SUVs and vans are being called back so that their door handles and fuel hoses can be replaced.

WASHINGTON ― Ford said Monday it was recalling more than 180,000 sport utility vehicles and vans in two separate recalls to fix interior door handles and faulty fuel hoses.

The larger of the two recalls involves nearly 124,000 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs from the 2007-2008 model years. The Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker said the spring system in the inside door handles could break.

The problem could prevent the door handles from returning to a closed position, but the latches work properly, said Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood. However, in a side-impact crash, there could be a risk of the door latch opening because of the problems, he said.

Sherwood said there were no reports of injuries or accidents tied to the recall.

Dealers will replace the interior handle spring on all side doors, he said. The recall involves 2007-2008 Expedition and Navigator vehicles built from March 3, 2006 through Aug. 9, 2007, Sherwood said.

The second recall involves more than 57,000 2006-2007 E-150, E-250 and E-350 vans, and 2007 Expedition and Navigator SUVs with 5.4-liter engines.

The automaker said the engine's fuel rail crossover hose, which connects the fuel rails, could crack and leak fuel, potentially leading to a fire.

Sherwood said there have been no reports of fires, injuries, or crashes. Dealers will replace the fuel rail assembly.