WASHINGTON (March 8) — Ford Motor Co. and Bentley Motors Ltd. are recalling vehicles because of wheel problems, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Ford will recall 109,664 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor sedans, model years 2003-2005, because some of the wheels may develop cracks in the rim near the weld line that connects the rim to the disk. The cracks in turn could cause the tires to lose air rapidly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford told NHTSA it will start notifying owners of the Crown Victorias March 12 about the recall. Ford dealers will inspect and replace all four road wheels and the spare wheel free of charge, the auto maker said.
Also, Bentley is recalling 222 Bentley Arnage R, RL and T cars, model years 2005 and 2006, because of dimensionally incorrect wheel bolts that could cause wheels to loosen and fall off. Bentley began notifying owners March 1, and is replacing all wheel bolts free of charge.