The company is recalling about 385,750 Escape compact SUVs as rust could cause the vehicle's subframe and lower control arm to separate, potentially diminishing steering control, it said in an e-mail.

The recall affects model-years 2001-2004 sold or currently registered in the United States and Canada.

Ford said that rusting could occur in vehicles used in high-corrosion environments, particularly those areas where salt was used on the roads to melt ice.

The company also said it was calling back about 48,950 model-year 2013-2014 Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, Escape and C-MAX vehicles to replace seat-back frames that did not comply with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards.

Some of the frames may have been produced with sub-standard welds, increasing the risk of injury during collisions, Ford said.

(Reporting by Rohit T. K. in Bangalore; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)