(Image Source: CNN Money / Ford Motor Co.)

BY ADNAN S. KHAN

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Ford is putting the brakes on almost half a million vehicles because of a defect. KPIX has the details.

“Ford is recalling more than 450,000 vehicles here in the United States. Apparently there is a defect that can cause fires or loss of power. The effected vehicles include 2004 and ’05 Freestar and Monterey minivans and 2001 and ’02 Escape SUV’s.”

Bloomberg has more details on the extent of the problem.

“Ford … is recalling 2004 and 2005 model … minivans because the torque converter output shafts in their power trains 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.”

But, CNN Money reports, as severe as the problem may seem, no major injuries have been reported relating to the defects.
 

“Ford spokesman Daniel Pierce said the company is aware of two minor accidents attributed to the minivan recall, with minor injuries reported in one and no injury in the other.”

According to  Bloomberg Businessweek-- this isn’t the first time one of the models, the Escape, has seen problems. Still, The New York Times points out-- Ford is not the worst recall offender. The outlet crunches some 2011 numbers for recalls throughout the automotive industry.  

“Honda and its Acura division led all manufacturers with 3.9 million vehicles recalled in 17 actions … Toyota ranked second, with 3.5 million vehicles in 13 recalls, followed by the Ford Motor Company, with 3.3 million vehicles in 13 recalls. General Motors performed the best of the Detroit companies, recalling only 500,000 vehicles…”