Ford has issued a new recall for 125,322 model year 2020-2023 Ford Escape, 2022-2023 Ford Maverick and 2021-2023 Lincoln Corsair vehicles for a risk of fire due to engine failure.

The automaker advised drivers to safely park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, lose power, or see or smell smoke.

Affected vehicles have 2.5-litre HEV or PHEV powertrains with petrol ICE engines which could fail prematurely. If they do, engine oil and/or fuel vapour may be released and accumulate near ignition sources, resulting in potential under bonnet fires, localised melting of components, or smoke, NHTSA said.

This recall affects 86,656 Escapes, 35,501 Mavericks and 3,165 Corsairs, and Ford started notifying owners today, 12 June.

"The remedy is under development and is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2023," NHTSA said in a statement.

Earlier this month, a recall was announced for another Lincoln model, 142,734 model year 2015-2019 MKCs due to a risk of fire.

The NHTSA warned then: “Owners should park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the recall has been remedied.”

On those vehicles, the battery monitor sensor may short circuit and overheat, causing a fire in the engine compartment while parked or driving.

In July 2022, Ford said it had identified a fix for owners affected by an under bonnet fire recall affecting some 2021 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.

In that case, the automaker was "still advising customers to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the dealer services their vehicle for this recall. Vehicles may pose a risk of under hood fire, including while the vehicle is parked and off”.