Ford Recall: Automaker Recalling Nearly Half a Million Minivans, SUVs for Safety Flaws

Ford Motor Company is recalling over 450,000 vehicles in the United States in order to fix issues that can cause a sudden loss of power or fires.

The company is recalling 2004 and 2005 Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles because the torque converter output shaft can fail. The malfunction results in a sudden loss of power, which increases the risk of a crash.

According to the Washington Post, two “minor” accidents stemming from Freestar and Monterey issues have occured in the past eight years; one with “minor” injuries and no injuries in the other.

The Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker is also recalling certain 2001-2002 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 22, 1999 through July 19, 2002, equipped with a brake master cylinder reservoir cap that could leak brake fluid.

Ford explained that the fluid leakage could corrode electrical connectors in the vehicle’s breaking system and eventually lead to melting, smoke, or a fire.

In both the Freestar and Escape recalls Ford announced it will inform the affected owners, and dealers will replace the parts free of charge. In the case of the latter, Ford says there could be a parts delay. If so, owners should park their cars outside until the parts become available.

For more information on the latest Ford recalls, visit the recall information page on safercar.gov.