This could be the longest running safety recall in NHTSA history. It is certainly the largest.

Ford Motor Company is recalling model years 1995-2003 Windstar, 2000-2003 Excursion, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-super duty, 1992-2003 Econoline, 1995-2002 Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Ranger, and 1994 F53 vehicles equipped with a Texas Instruments speed control deactivation switch (SCDS).

The SCDS may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.

An additional 4,500,000 vehicles are affected in the latest safety campaign for the problem, which dates back more than a decade.

Critics maintain that Ford has been reluctant to deal with the issue due to the large number of vehicles involved. All told, Ford has now recalled more than 14,000,000 vehicles for the fire problem in the U.S. alone, a record for any single safety defect.

Ford Canada is also recalling about 500,000 vehicles for the same fire problem, making it the largest recall in Ford Canada’s history.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a fused wiring harness for the SCDS. Dealers will also inspect the abs control connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about October 26, 2009. Owners may contact Ford at 1-888-222-2751.

Ford’s recall campaign number is 09S09. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov.