NATION

NATION
Ford announces recalls
CHICAGO -- Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday it has voluntarily recalled about 171,000 of 2003 and 2004 model vehicles for a variety of defects.
The largest group includes 92,000 of 2003 F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks and Excursion sport utility vehicles, spokesman Glenn Ray said.
He said there may be a problem with the battery ground connection to the engine block on models with six-liter diesel engines. In the worst case, he said, a smoldering fire could result from a loose ground connection.
Ford also has recalled 25,800 of 2004-model Ford Taurus, Thunderbird and Mercury Sable vehicles because of defective welding on the frame of the power front seat. The car seats may become loose and squeak or rattle, Ray said.
Dow Jones Newswire