Ford says don’t drive new Escape

Ford is telling some buyers of 2013 Escape small SUVs not to drive them because the engines can catch fire.

The company is recalling 11,500 Escapes in the U.S. and Canada because the fuel lines can crack and leak. The recall affects only models with 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines that were built from early April through July 11 this year.

Ford is taking the unusual step of picking up the SUVs and leaving loaner cars with customers. The company says it has three reports of fires, two at the factory and one while a customer was driving an Escape. No one was injured.

About 4,800 defective Escapes were sold. The rest are on dealer lots and will be repaired.

Ford says customers should call dealers to get the problem fixed.