(January 12, 2012) Ford is recalling 450,426 vehicles in the United States to fix defects that can cause fires or loss of power. The action covers 205,896 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans and 244,530 Escape sport utility vehicles.

Ford is recalling 2004 and 2005 model Freestar and Monterey minivans because the torque converter output shafts in their powertrains may fail and cause sudden loss of power.

The 2001 and 2002 model Escape SUVs may have brake-fluid leaks from the cap of their brake master cylinder reservoir leading to corrosion that may cause fire. The government says at least 86 fires were reported in Escapes that had been previously recalled and serviced.

The minivan recalls followed an investigation by the U.S. auto-safety regulator. The Escape recall follows another in 2007 during which Ford said some of the vehicles may not have been properly repaired.

Sources: Detroit News, Bloomberg News