Ford issued this statement Friday:

We have reviewed NHTSA's complaint data as well as reports within our own systems.

Although there are reports of cracked and leaking valve stems, the rate is extremely low.

Further, Ford has not identified a risk to motor vehicle safety for these valve stems on Ford vehicles even if a valve stem is cracked. Vehicle owners sometimes contact NHTSA if they are confused why their vehicles are not part of a recall that they have heard about.

The valve stems in Ford vehicles are made with a different material formulation than the valve stems in the Tech International recall and those included the NHTSA investigation of dill valve stems, are designed to different performance specifications and are made on different equipment.

We will continue to monitor reports as we do with our entire fleet of vehicles.

Wes Sherwood
Safety Communications Mgr.