Ford Explorer, Winstar Recall R/2009/128: Speed Control Deactivation Switch May Overheat And Catch Fire, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 7 Dec 2009
- Launched
- 2,803
- vehicles in the UK
- 9c273
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Ford recalled Explorer, Winstar vehicles built between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2002. Corrosion within the speed control deactivation switch cavity can create a conductive path between the uninterrupted battery power and ground. The dealer will inspect recalled vehicles for corrosion of the specified area and if required will install a revised speed control deactivation switch. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Corrosion within the speed control deactivation switch cavity can create a conductive path between the uninterrupted battery power and ground. This could cause the switch to overheat smoke or burn either with the engine running or when it is switched off.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT AND CATCH FIRE Defect: It has been identified that corrosion within the speed control deactivation switch cavity can create a conductive path between the uninterrupted battery power and ground. This could cause the switch to overheat smoke or burn either with the engine running or when it is switched off. Remedy: Recalled vehicles will be inspected for corrosion of the specified area and if required will install a revised speed control deactivation switch. If no corrosion is present dealers will install a universal fused jumper harness.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause the switch to overheat smoke or burn either with the engine running or when it is switched off.
The Fix
The dealer will inspect recalled vehicles for corrosion of the specified area and if required will install a revised speed control deactivation switch.
Are You Affected?
Explorer, Winstar built between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2002 may be included. Ford estimates 2,803 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Ford, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Ford.
- Book with any franchised Ford dealer, quoting the campaign code 9c273 or the DVSA reference R/2009/128. See how to get a Ford recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExplorerPanoramic roof partial detachment | Low | R/2026/334 | |
| Capri, ExplorerTorque inspection on various joints | Book soon | R/2026/082 | |
| Capri, ExplorerFront seat back inspection | Low | R/2025/474 | |
| Ecosport, Edge, Explorer, Fiesta and 11 moreRear-View camera software update | Low | R/2025/359 | |
| Capri, ExplorerGround connection inspection | Urgent | R/2025/317 |
This is one of 378 Ford recalls in DVSA’s data. The Ford recall launched before it was R/2009/127 on 7 Dec 2009, for risk of fire. The one launched after it was R/2010/031 on 28 Apr 2010, for possibility of fire. You can also see every Ford recall, all recalls launched in 2009 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2009/128, launched 7 December 2009. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.