On Thursday, Ford released a press release urging drivers not to drive the 2013 Ford Escape due to the engine possibly catching fire.
The company is recalling 11,500 Escapes in the U.S. and Canada because fuel lines can crack and leak. The recall affects only models with 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines 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.
Escapes are also being investigated for sudden acceleration.