Defogger Heater problems of the 1997 Mercury Tracer

The vehicle was parked in the consumer's driveway when both front air bags deployed. It was later determined that the air bag sensor was destroyed by moisture intrusion into the air bag module and connectors. As a result of the air bag deployment the windshield the windshield shattered and the dashboard was destroyed. Manufacturer was contacted and refused to accept responsibility. The vehicle has not been repaired. The consumer later learned of a recall that was issued for this problem. The consumer was never notified of the recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who determined that the intrusion was caused by a pin hole leak in the heater core therefore the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The consumer intends to purse the matter further.

Heater core leaked fluid onto the computer system which burned the circuit board that controlled the air bags.

Holes eaten through heater core inlet & outlet pipes-leaked causing damage to air bag monitor which had to be replaced. New monitor came with a shiled not on the car when I bought it. This leads me to believe they know there is a problem, but did not notify me about it. I did not take my car to haper Ford since when I was there for my 60 thousand mile check up , they charged me to service my automatic transmission and the car I own does not have one. I feel the didnt service my car correctly at the time. Heater cores going out in five years, ruining a requried part by the government. I feel this could have been prevented and should have been, it didnt just happen in the last 14,00 miles after my warrenty expired. Again I would like to stress this is a design flaw. Thank you tracy kaufman.