WASHINGTON – Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 1 million vehicles because a faulty switch on the windshield wipers could cause a fire.

Ford spokesman Mike Vaughn said 40 fires have been reported in connection with the problem, but no flames have entered the passenger compartment. No accidents or injuries were reported, Vaughn said.

The recall involves 2000 and 2001 models of the Ford Focus, Taurus, Expedition, Excursion and F-series pickups; the Lincoln Continental, Town Car and Navigator; and the Mercury Sable. Nearly 1.1 million of the recalled vehicles were made between February and September 2000.

A switch on the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case can malfunction and overheat. That can cause the wiper to fail and cause smoke or fire on the plastic cover.

Ford began notifying owners of affected vehicles about the recall in September.