Ford Recalls 450,000 Minivans, SUVs for Fire, Safety Risks

By Admin on January 11, 2012 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Ford is recalling around 450,000 vehicles for various safety reasons. The Ford SUV and minivan recall includes several of the automaker's popular models including the 2001 and 2002 Ford Escape compact SUV and the 2004 and 2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans.

The Escape has a reservoir cap that may leak brake fluid. This could lead to smoke and fire. There are approximately 245,000 Escapes on the road, reports CNN.

The Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans are being recalled over a torque converter output shaft. The shaft may fail. This could cause a car to lose power and crash. There are approximately 205,000 of these minivans on the road.

Several minor accidents were reportedly due to the defects. One accident incurred "minor" injuries. U.S. auto-safety regulators investigated and a recall was initiated.

Consumers who own these vehicles should watch out for any notices from Ford. The automaker expects to start sending out recall notices about the Escape around January 23, 2012.

There is no specific date yet for the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey recall. It's expected to start during the second calendar quarter of 2012.

The company has indicated that there may be a parts delay for the Escape, according to Consumer Reports. This could mean that even if recall notices are sent out, no fix will be available. Customers will then be advised to park their Escape vehicles outside.

Otherwise, the company will have dealers replace the brake master cylinder cap on the Escape. The automaker will replace the torque converter on the minivans for free.

For more information about the Ford minivan recall, consumers may call the company at (866) 436-7332.

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