Ford Motor Company issued two safety recalls Wednesday affecting nearly 550,000 Fusions and Escapes that could suddenly roll away when parked, the company said.

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Ford believes that a faulty shifter cable bushing is responsible for the problem in 2013 to 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles and 2013 to 2014 Ford Escape vehicles and said it will replace the bushing for free.

In the meantime, Ford is urging owners to use the parking brake to make sure the vehicle is secure when parked.

"If the parking brake is not applied, a degraded shifter cable bushing that detaches from the transmission could result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of injury or crash," the company said in the recall notice.

Ford said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the malfunctioning part.

Affected vehicles are:

  • 2014 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock, Michigan, assembly plant between June 18, 2013 and Sept. 15, 2013.
  • 2014-16 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock, Michigan, assembly plant between June 2, 2014 and Aug. 31, 2015.
  • 2013-14 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo, Mexico, Stamping and assembly plant between May 15, 2013 and Sept. 15, 2013.
  • 2014-16 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo, Mexico, Stamping and assembly plant between June 2, 2014 and Aug. 31, 2015.
  • 2013-14 Ford Escape vehicles built at Louisville, Kentucky, assembly plant between May 15, 2013 and Sept. 15, 2013.