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Ford is recalling 139,917 Escape SUVs in the U.S. to fix engine problems that could result in fires under the hood, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This is the seventh recall for the 2013 Escape since it debuted in spring 2012, and the fifth recall involving serious problems with its 1.6-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine.

This time, part of the engine cylinder head can overheat and crack due to stress, which can cause oil to leak onto exposed, hot engine parts and cause fires. At least 13 engine fires have been reported to Ford -- 12 in the U.S. and one in Canada -- due to cracked cylinder heads.

Of these recalled models, 9,469 need to be rechecked for repairs made during a previous recall in July 2012 in which fuel lines were splitting and leaking gasoline on up to 11,500 cars. Ford dealers may not have installed the new fuel lines correctly, as the company was getting reports of fuel odors and leaks (technically, this recall fix is now a new, separate recall). There were no reported fires for these cars.

Also in July, Ford recalled nearly all 2013 Escape models for carpet padding that could interfere with the driver's use of the brake pedal. In September 2012, Ford recalled 7,600 Escape models to fix engine plugs that could leak coolant and contact hot engine parts, resulting in engine fires. Then in December, Ford recalled the car again for engines that were overheating and catching fire. In March, the 2013 Escape was part of a larger recall to fix child locks.

In total, at least 27 engine fires have been reported by owners of 2013 Escape models, including one on a 2013 Fusion sedan that also shares the same 1.6-liter engine.

Dealers will make "enhancements to the engine shielding, cooling and control systems" and also inspect and replace fuel lines as needed. The repairs will not begin until Jan. 23. Owners can call Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

In August of this year, Ford paid a $17.35 million fine to the U.S. government for delaying a recall on older Escape models. The civil penalty said that Ford was "not timely" in telling the agency and vehicle owners of throttle problems on 485,000 Escape models from the 2001-2004 model years. In July 2012, Ford announced the Escape recall after the 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.

On Nov. 24, California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones (D) recommended increasing workers' compensation premiums by 6.7%. The higher rate would cover predicted increases in physician fees under a new state law (SB 863) that adjusts how doctors are paid through the workers' compensation system.

In October, a California Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau actuarial committee made a recommendation to increase rates by 9.5%. The full bureau later recommended increasing premiums by 8.7%

Jones' "advisory rate" would be applied to the "pure premium" rate. Under the recommendation, such premiums would increase by $2.70 per $100 of payroll. Insurers are not required to follow the recommendation, but they often use it as a benchmark.