Ford said in its letter to NHTSA that it had noticed an increasing number of leaking switches on Ford Windstar vans and a small number of switch fires had been reported. Ford said it was unaware of any accidents or injuries involving the Windstar fires.

"Ford is taking this action on all of these vehicles to address possible ongoing customer lack of confidence in vehicles with the affected switch," the company said in the letter.

Owners of the affected vehicles were urged not to park their cars in garages or near homes.

Models included in the latest action:

* 1995-2003 Ford Windstars.

* 2000-2003 Ford Excursion diesels.

* 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 Ford F-Super Duty diesels.

* 1992-2003 Ford Econolines.

* 1995-2002 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers.

* 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Ford Rangers.

* 1994 Ford F53 motorhomes.