Ford is recalling about 206,000 2004 and 2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles, because the torque converter output shaft may fail.

If the torque converter output shaft were to fail, the result would be a sudden loss of motive power with no warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the torque converter for free. The safety recall is expected to begin in the second calendar quarter of 2012. The recall campaign number is 11S25.

For more information, owners can call Ford at 866-436-7332, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236, or visit www.SaferCar.gov.

Recall: 2004 and 2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles [NHTSA]