Ford Motor Co. is recalling certain Escape compact sport-utility vehicles from the 2001 and 2002 model years to fix a brake-system flaw that could cause fire.

The problem is serious enough that Ford says owners should park their vehicles outside until they can be repaired, reported The Wall Street Journal.

The company said the vehicles have brake master-cylinder reservoir caps that could leak brake fluid. The fluid could leak onto a wiring harness connector for the vehicle’s antilock braking system. As a result the connector may corrode, melt or catch fire.

Ford said the defect affects 244,530 SUVs built from Oct. 22, 1999 through July 19, 2002. Under the recall Ford dealers will replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and modify the antilock brake system.

In a document filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford said it expects to begin notifying Escape owners the week of Jan. 23. However, there may not be enough parts available by that date to repair all of the vehicles. If the parts are not available Ford will tell owners to keep their vehicles outside until they are fixed. Customers with questions can contact Ford at 866-436-7332.

The car maker is also recalling 205,896 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans because of a transmission part called the torque converter output, which could fail. If this happens, the vans could suddenly lose power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Under the recall dealers will replace the torque converter free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in the second quarter of this year.