By
The Associated Press
OAKLAND, Calif. - In an unprecedented move, a state judge ordered the recall of as many as 1.7 million Ford cars and trucks yesterday, accusing the automaker of "concealment of a dangerous condition."
It was the first time a judge in the United States had ordered a car recall.
Superior Court Judge Michael E. Ballachey said Ford knew the vehicles were prone to stalling, especially when the engine was hot, but failed to alert consumers.
The judge, based in Alameda County, had issued a tentative ruling in August hinting he would order the recall and accusing Ford of knowing for nearly two decades that the ignition modules were "flawed from the outset."
Ballachey gave Ford attorneys a chance to change his mind, but his ruling yesterday showed they had failed to sway him.
"This case was about concealment of a dangerous condition," Ballachey read from the bench.
