TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT ONCE THE SWITCH FAILS, IT COULD CATCH FIRE. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL THE SWITCH IS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.