Wow - I hadn't read anything about this until now. Scary for sure... I've had two Rowentas, paid about $100 for each, and finally after the second one started spitting and leaking, I went to Walmart and bought a T-Fal for about $40 and it works like a dream. Plenty of steam, auto shut-off and a really long cord. Everything I want in an iron for a lot less money. Rowenta was recommended to me by a friend who swears by hers, but I'm re not very excited about the brand. Sounds like they have varying reliability.
I think you should definitely pursue is with the Product Safety Commission. Good luck!!