DEARBORN (WKZO) -- The investigation by the federal government into engine problems with Ford Motor Company vehicles has been expanded.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a preliminary investigation of 2009 to 2011 model year Ford Escape, Ford Fusion, Mercury Mariner, and Mercury Milan vehicles.  The government has received 123 reports of vehicles suddenly losing engine power and vehicle stalls in the Ford Escape.

The cars built after October of 2009 are affected, including 724-thousand Ford and Mercury vehicles.