Ford Recalls Nearly 120,000 Vehicles Due to Engine Block Heater Concerns

Ford Motor Company announced earlier this month that it is recalling a total of approximately 119,075 vehicles due to a risk of engine block heater short circuits that could lead to fires. The recall is being conducted in two batches: the first involves 116,672 units of the 2013–2018 Focus, 2013–2019 Escape, and 2015–2016 Lincoln MKC, all equipped with 2.0-liter engines; the second involves 2,403 units of the 2016–2018 Focus, as well as the 2019 and 2024 Explorer. The recall notices were issued around January 26, 2026, coinciding with severe winter storms hitting many parts of North America.

Ford stated that the malfunction originates from potential cracks in the solder joints of these heaters, which can lead to coolant leaks and subsequently short-circuit the heater. The evaporated coolant leaves behind conductive salt deposits, causing the short circuit. This risk only occurs when the heater is connected to a 110-volt power supply. To mitigate the risk, Ford advises owners of affected vehicles not to use the device until the issue is repaired.

Ford stated that it has not received any reports of injuries related to this recall. The company estimates that approximately 1% of the affected vehicles actually have the coolant leak issue. The repair solution is to replace the engine block heater with a newly designed one, but this alternative part is not expected to be available until mid-April 2026. Dealers have been informed of the recall, and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup system is now open, but formal owner notifications will begin next month.

The recall covers a wide range of model years, dating back to 2013 and extending to 2024 Explorer models. All affected vehicles are equipped with the same type of original factory engine block heater as an optional extra. Ford emphasizes that this heater is an optional configuration offered in some cold-weather markets and is not standard across all models. The recall action was initiated in accordance with relevant regulations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the relevant defect codes and technical bulletins have been submitted to the regulatory agency.