Ford is recalling 50,000 electric and hybrid vehicles

Faulty charging cables that catch fire on overheating have forced Ford Motors (F) to recall over 50,000 of its electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The recall includes 49,197 vehicles in the US and 1,327 vehicles in Canada.

The company said no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far due to these defects.

Electric vehicles stand a risk of catching fire in the plug area when they are charged using the non-standard plug. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid vehicles can catch fire if the power supply cable is not properly secured, causing the nut to be cross-threaded.

To replace the faulty ones, Ford will issue a new cable with the thermistor that monitors the temperature levels at the plug or outlet interface. When overheating occurs, the thermistor stops charging until the heating becomes steady.

Ex-Ford chief for Tesla?

Drawing similarities with the crisis at Ford in mid-2000s, and then-CEO Alan Mulally’s acclaimed revival of the company, Bloomberg reported that Tesla (TSLA) is at a similar juncture. It suggests that Mulally is considered for the top post, while Elon Musk handles the chief innovator position and also remain the executive chairman.

The report also hints that Mulally may consider the offer if Musk actually sends him one.