Fires prompting recall of 2013 Ford Escape

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DETROIT, July 20 (UPI) -- Ford Motor Co. has announced the second recall in a week for the 2013 Escape for a faulty fuel line that could cause the vehicle to catch fire.

The recall applies only to Escapes equipped with the 1.6-liter engine, in which there have been three reports of the fuel line splitting and leaking gasoline, causing a fire, The Detroit News reported Friday.

Two of the incidents occurred at a Ford facility in Louisville, Ky., and a third was experienced by a Canadian customer, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"Our intensive investigation and testing has identified the area of concern, and we are moving as quickly as possible to repair vehicles for our customers," said Ray Nevi, assistant director of Ford's Automotive Safety Office in a statement. "In the meantime, it is extremely important that affected customers not ignore this recall and immediately contact their dealer."

The Thursday recall of 11,500 Escapes comes days after a recall to repair a carpet issue on more than 10,000 2013 Escapes, the Times reported. The incorrect carpet padding in the center console trim panel could cause the driver to hit the side of the brake pedal in moving a foot from the accelerator, increasing stopping distances, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.