Ford Motor to start telling buyers of flaws, remedies

Ford Motor Company has agreed to tell the public about major engine and transmission problems on many of its models and its warranty programs for fixing them, the Federal Trade Commision said. The company will take advertisements in national magazines to tell owners about the unexpected repairs they might face and about programs that pay all or part of the cost of the repairs after its warranties expire. Ford will also send a letter to owners of 1979 and 1980 models about the problems and postwarranty coverage, and will set up a toll-free telephone number where owners can get more information. The agreement to do so came after allegations that Fork knew about piston scuffing, premature camshaft and rocker arm wear, and cracked engine block problems for some time before it told car owners.