Ford Motor Co. has recalled another 4.5 million vehicles due to a fire threat caused by a problem with the cruise control mechanism, federal regulators said Tuesday. This is the eighth recall since 1999 related to the faulty cruise control deactivation switch and brings the total to 16 million vehicles recalled. 'These hazardous cruise control switches pose a safety risk even while the cruise control is not in use and vehicles are turned off or unattended,' US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. 'I urge consumers to pay attention to this warning and bring the affected models in to have them repaired as soon as possible.' The faulty deactivation switch can leak hydraulic fluid, overheat and then burn even with the ignition turned off. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned consumers to 'be on the look out for certain warnings of possible imminent fires, including cruise control systems that stop working or can't be activated, brake lights that stop working, brake lights and ABS warning lights illuminating on the dash board, or not being able to get the vehicle out of park.' Owners of recalled vehicles were urged to 'immediately make appointments with their dealers' to fix the problem and warned not to 'park their vehicles in garages or near homes until repairs are made.' The switch was manufactured by Texas Instruments. Tuesday's recall affects: 1995-2003 model year Ford Windstars; 2000-2003 model year 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 and 1994 Ford F53 motorhomes. 