The automaker is voluntarily recalling more than 11,000 Escapes in the U.S. and Canada because the fuel lines can crack and leak.
The recall affects only 2013 models with 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engines that were built through this month. Ford says fewer than 5,000 have been sold. The rest are still on dealer lots and will be fixed.
Ford is taking the unusual step of picking up the SUVs and leaving loaner cars with customers.
No injuries have been reported. The company says it has three reports of fires, two at the factory and one while a customer was driving an Escape.
Ford says customers should call dealers to get the problem fixed.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
