Ford recalls 450,000 minivans and SUVs

Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday that it is recalling nearly half a million minivans and SUVs because of a pair of mechanical issues.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker is recalling 205,896 Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans made during the 2004 and 2005 model years, because their torque converter output shaft may fail. If that happens, there could be a sudden loss of power that could cause a crash, Ford said.

Ford is also recalling 244,530 Escape SUVs made during the 2001 and 2002 model years, because their brake master cylinder reservoir cap could leak brake fluid. If the fluid leaks, it could corrode electrical connectors in the vehicle's breaking system and lead to melting, smoke, or a fire, Ford said.

Ford said that with both recalls, it will inform the affected owners, and dealers will replace the parts for free, however parts may be hard to find.

"Being that the vehicles that are involved are an older vehicle we have to start production again and that is what the delay is," said Ralph Tucci, service manager at Sandy Springs Ford. Tucci told Channel 2's Erin Coleman that they won't be able to fix the problem on 2001 and 2002 models until at least April.

In the case of the Escape, Ford said it will begin notifying owners the week of Jan. 23.

In cases where parts are not available, Ford said it will tell owners to park their SUVs outside until the vehicles can be fixed.