Ford recalls 9.6 million vehicles

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 29 (UPI) -- Ford Motor Co. has recalled 9.6 million vehicles built between 1992 and 2004 to repair a faulty cruise-control deactivation switch that poses a fire hazard.

The switches pose a fire risk, the company said in a statement. The service action "is a quick repair," that will be done at no charge to owners.

The recall includes vehicles dating back to 1992; Lincoln Town Cars, Mercury, Ford and other model year cars, pickups and SUVs were listed on a company Web site. About 5 million owners have had their vehicles repaired leaving 4.6 million unrepaired vehicles on the road, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

The risk of fire involves the possible leak of brake fluid through the switch into the speed control system's electrical components. This condition would cause corrosion and increase the risk of fire, the company said.