Recently, Ford Motor Co., issued two recalls of vehicles. In total, around 539,000 automobiles that may be found throughout the world are included.

The first group of vehicles recalled includes close to 253,000 minivans. The models, 2004 and 2005 Mercury Montereys and Ford Freestars, were recalled because of a torque converter that is defective. The defective part could result in a crash should a malfunction make it impossible to power the vehicle either backward of forward.

The second recall is of 2001 and 2002 Ford Escape SUVs. The 286,000 SUVs are being recalled due to a problem with the antilock brake system. According to the filing, the brake master cylinder reservoir cap utilized in some of the vehicles is faulty. The faulty cap could make it possible for brake fluid to leak and lead to an electrical short that could cause a fire.

A spokesman for Ford indicated that overall the chance of a fire occurring is low. He nonetheless recommended that owners of the SUV, who have not had a chance to have the part replaced, refrain from parking the vehicle in or near a structure until the matter is addressed. A similar recall was issued several years ago, in 2007.

Property damage has been reported in the case of the recalled Escapes. Thus far it does not appear that injuries have been reported connected to either of the recalls. Should anyone be injured however, that person may be able to seek financial compensation via a product liability claim.

Source: Reuters, "Ford recalls 539,000 minivans, SUVs worldwide," Deepa Seetharaman, Jan. 11, 2012