WASHINGTON, D.C. -

Only halfway through the first month of the year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has detailed three recalls that encompass more than 530,000 vehicles from the Ford, Mercury and Mini brand.

The largest of the recalls is connected with the oldest model. NHTSA indicated that Ford is recalling 244,530 Escapes from the 2001 and 2002 model years, manufactured between Oct. 22, 1999 and July 19, 2002.

The campaign is centered on the fact that federal officials said these SUVs are equipped with a brake master cylinder reservoir cap that could lead brake fluid.

If brake fluid leaks from the cap, NHTSA fears it could come in contact with the antilock brake system module wiring harness connector. As a result, corrosion can develop in the electrical connector leading to melting, smoke or fire.

Ford intends to begin to notify owners of potentially affected vehicles beginning next week, instructing them to bring the unit to a franchised dealer who has been told to replace the brake master cylinder and modify the ABS electrical system.

NHTSA also acknowledged that due to a parts delay, the recall remedy may not be immediately available.

“If parts are not available, Ford will instruct owners to park their vehicles outside until such time as parts become available,” federal officials stated.

In the meantime, owners of these Escape models can contact Ford at (866) 436-7332 and reference campaign No. 07V-156.

Another 205,896 units are involved in another recall connected with the Blue Oval — this time the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey from the 2004 and 2005 model years.

Federal officials said the OEM is recalling these minivans because the torque converter output shaft may fail, resulting in a sudden loss of motive power with no warning and increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA said the automaker intends to notify owners of these recall minivans during the second quarter, telling them to bring the unit to a franchised dealer to replace the torque converter free of charge.

Like in the case of the Escape, potentially affected also can contact Ford at (866) 436-7332. However, van owners should reference campaign No. 11S25.

Mini Recall

An import OEM is associated with the remaining recall NHTSA outlined recently.

BMW of North America is asking owners of the following Mini models to bring the unit to a franchised dealer:

—MINI Cooper S from 2007 through 2011.
—MINI Copper S Clubman from 2008 through 2011.
—Mini Cooper S Convertible from 2009 through 2011.
—Mini Cooper S Countryman from 2011.
—Mini JCW from 2009 through 2011.
—Mini JCW Clubman from 2009.
—Mini JCW Convertible from 2010 through 2011.

NHTSA indicated these 88,911 units were manufactured between Nov. 14, 2006 and Jan. 18, 2011 and contain an electronic circuit board connected to the electric auxiliary water pump designed to cool the turbocharger that may malfunction and overheat.

Should the circuit board smolder, NHTSA fears a vehicle fire may erupt in this recalled units.

Federal officials noted the OEM is beginning the recall campaign next month, asking owners to bring these units to a franchised dealer to replace the water pump free of charge.

In the meantime, owners can contact BMW at (866) 275-6464.