Ford is recalling the 2013 Escape and Fusion for engines that can overheat and cause fires, the company said late Friday.

About 73,320 Escape and 15,833 Fusion models in SE and SEL trims equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine are affected, the majority within the U.S. No other models or engine types are affected, Ford said.

Ford said that drivers who see instrument panel warnings such as “Engine Power Reduced to Lower Temps,” “Engine over temp, stop safely” or red lights and chimes should  "safely pull off the road as soon as possible, turn off the engine and exit the vehicle." At least 13 fires have been reported to Ford, and all but one have occurred in Escape models, according to Automotive News.

One complaint filed to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in October reported an engine fire on a 2013 Escape after the owner's third recall repair had been completed. "Within minutes, brown, oily smoke came out from under the hood. Then flames came out from under the hood, at the windshield and out the sides of the engine compartment," the complaint said. "Then the car burst into flames and was destroyed."

Ford is providing loaner vehicles to customers at no cost. The company has not announced when the recall would begin, but customers can find out more by calling Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or noting the VIN number and checking it on Ford's website.

This is the fourth recall for the new Escape since it went on sale late spring, and the third recall involving serious problems on Ford's new 1.6-liter engine. In September, Ford recalled 7,600 Escape models to fix engine plugs that could leak coolant and contact hot engine parts, resulting in engine fires. In August, a Nashville Ford dealer reported an underhood fire on a 2013 Escape during a test drive when an engine cylinder head cup plug came loose.

In July, Ford recalled 11,500 Escape models for fuel lines that could split and leak gasoline. Also in July, Ford recalled nearly all 2013 Escape crossovers for carpet padding that could interfere with the driver's use of the brake pedal. During that month, Ford recalled nearly 485,000 Escape SUVs from 2001-2004 after NHTSA received 99 owner complaints -- including the report of a fatal crash in January -- of throttles not returning to idle when the gas pedal was released.

This is the first recall for the 2013 Fusion.

[Source: Ford]