(May 10, 2014) Two new automotive recalls were reported Friday involving Chrysler and Ford. Fiat Chrysler said it was recalling an estimated 780,477 minivans after reports of overheating, including some fires in third-row power window vent switches. And Ford has issued two more recalls for the Ford Escape putting the number of recalls covering the Escape since its 2013 redesign into double digits.

The Escape recalls relate to a software glitch that could delay airbag deployment in a crash and exterior door handles that might not latch properly. Each covers about 700,000 vehicles globally from the 2013-14 model years, including roughly 600,000 in the United States. The airbag software recall also includes about 65,000 C-Max hybrids.

Escapes built from Feb. 15 through April 10 are covered by the door handle recall but not airbag software recall, while those built before Feb. 15 are covered by both recalls. Ford said it does not know of any crashes or injuries related to either recall.

Ford said the airbag software defect could delay deployment of the side-curtain airbags in some rollover accidents, increasing the risk of injuries. Dealers will be instructed to reprogram the restraint control module.

The door handle problem could make doors difficult to close or cause them to open while driving, potentially injuring an occupant, Ford said. Dealers will inspect the handles and reposition them if necessary.

Chrysler said it would replace the minivan window vent switches. It said there were no reports of accidents or injuries related to the issue, but 36 incidents of overheating and an undisclosed number of fires.

The company said affected customers would be contacted and advised when they can schedule repairs. In the interim, customers may visit dealers after May 14 to have the vent switches disconnected, eliminating the risk of overheating.

Sources: Automotive News, Reuters