The highway safety agency said in a notice that the switch problem could result in a fire under the hood.
The Ford vehicles being recalled are F-Series and Ranger pickup trucks, Explorer, Bronco and Mountaineer SUVs, Econoline vans and some Crown Victoria, Town Car, Grand Marquis, Capri, Mark VII and Taurus Sho cars with model years ranging from 1992 to 2004, depending upon the particular vehicle.
Ford recalled nearly 6.2 million vehicles in 2005 and 2006 because of engine fires linked to a faulty speed control deactivation switch.
Dan Jarvis, a spokesman for Ford, said the company was recalling the vehicles to alleviate customer concerns.
"We have not seen a high incidence of fires in this population," Jarvis said, adding that there were a few reports of fires in Crown Victoria passenger cars. He declined to specify the exact number of fires.
Ford's recall comes as the second-largest US carmaker is trying to stem steep losses in its North American automotive operations. The company lost $279 million in North America in the second-quarter before taxes.
Ford dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system to solve the problem, the company said.