MY DAUGHTER IS CURRENTLY DRIVING A 1994 MERCURY TOPAZ GS THAT I HAVE REGISTERED WITH FORD MOTOR. LAST WEEK SHE EXPERIENCED A FRONT WHEEL ON FIRE AS A RESULT OF AN OVERHEATING BRAKE. THE BRAKE WAS REPAIRED AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SPLASH SHEILD THAT IS NEXT TO THE ROTOR WAS MADE OF A PLASTIC TYPE COMPOSITE THAT OVERHEATED AND BURST INTO FLAME. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A BURNED TIRE AND SUBSEQUENT BLOWOUT AND ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT.*AK