Ford Recalls Over 160,000 Vehicles Due to Fire Risk from Engine Block Heaters

Ford Motor Company is initiating two significant safety recalls affecting a substantial number of Ford Focus, Ford Explorer, Ford Escape, and Lincoln MKC vehicles due to a potential fire hazard originating from the engine block heater. According to reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected engine block heaters may develop a coolant leak through their element pins. This leakage can lead to a resistive short circuit when the heater is plugged in, increasing the risk of an underhood fire.

The defect specifically involves the solder joints around the base of the heater element, which can crack, allowing coolant to infiltrate the connection between the heater and its power cord. Over time, this coolant can evaporate, leaving behind conductive salt deposits that form a “salt bridge” or corrode electrical connections. This compromised electrical path to ground can result in a resistive short circuit. Drivers may notice warning signs such as coolant spots on the ground, a loss of cabin heat, engine overheating, a low coolant warning light, or even observe smoke or an odor. The risk of fire is particularly elevated when the block heater is connected to a 110-volt electrical supply that lacks a functional circuit breaker or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).

The first recall, NHTSA Recall Number 26V011, covers approximately 116,672 vehicles, including: * 2013-2018 Ford Focus passenger cars manufactured between February 14, 2012, and May 4, 2018 (49,080 vehicles). * 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC multipurpose passenger vehicles manufactured between February 25, 2014, and March 19, 2016 (1,909 vehicles). * 2013-2019 Ford Escape multipurpose passenger vehicles manufactured between October 7, 2011, and August 2, 2019 (65,683 vehicles).

The second recall, NHTSA Recall Number 26V012, addresses approximately 2,403 vehicles, including: * 2016-2018 Ford Focus RS vehicles (438 vehicles). * 2024 Ford Explorer multipurpose passenger vehicles manufactured between May 20, 2023, and April 25, 2024 (986 vehicles). * 2019 Ford Explorer multipurpose passenger vehicles manufactured between September 16, 2018, and February 28, 2019 (919 vehicles).

Ford is aware of customer complaints and claims alleging vehicle fires related to these engine block heaters, with the majority of reported incidents occurring in Canada. However, the company states it is not aware of any accidents or injuries directly resulting from this condition.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail and advised to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for a remedy. The repair will involve replacing the suspect engine block heater with a newly designed component, free of charge. Until the replacement is performed, owners are instructed to refrain from plugging in their vehicle’s block heater. Ford will also provide a customer advisory to park affected vehicles outside until they can be remedied.

Dealer notifications are scheduled to begin around January 16, 2026, with interim owner notifications expected between February 9 and February 13, 2026. The mailing of remedy notification letters is anticipated to commence by April 13, 2026, with completion by April 17, 2026. Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) for affected vehicles are expected to be searchable on January 16, 2026.

Owners seeking further information or wishing to check their vehicle’s eligibility can contact Ford’s toll-free customer service line at 1-866-436-7332 or consult with their local Ford or Lincoln dealership.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Ford Motor Company and NHTSA.

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