WASHINGTON (AP) - The government is urging owners of recalled Ford Motor Co. vehicles linked to engine fires to be sure to get them fixed.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says about 17.5 million Ford vehicles have been involved in recalls since 1999 because of faulty cruise control switches. The switches can overheat and lead to a fire.
The government says only about 40 percent of the vehicles covered by the recall have been repaired. Typically, 70 percent of recalled vehicles get fixed in 18 months.
Ford's recalls have covered several vehicle models, including the popular F-Series pickup truck from the 1993-2003 model year, the 1995-2002 Explorer and the 1995-2003 Windstar van.
The government issued a similar consumer advisory in February 2008.
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