Ford Issues Recall for 116,000 Vehicles Due to Engine Block Heater Fire Hazard

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a significant recall affecting over 116,000 Ford vehicles. This recall is due to a potential fire risk associated with the engine block heater, a device designed to warm the engine prior to starting in freezing temperatures.

According to the recall report, the engine block heater may crack and leak coolant when plugged into an external power source. This defect raises concerns about the possibility of a short circuit, which could lead to an underhood fire.

The recall specifically impacts certain models, including the 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine.

FORD NAMED NO. 1 MOST ICONIC AMERICAN COMPANY IN NATIONWIDE SURVEY: ‘MAKING PEOPLE’S LIVES BETTER’

A mechanic works on a Ford Motor Co. car at the Northstar Ford dealership in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, on Thursday, June 13, 2019. (Amber Bracken/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

As of December 2025, the NHTSA has received 12 reports of fires linked to this issue, particularly in Escape vehicles. To mitigate the risk of an underhood fire, the NHTSA advises customers to avoid plugging in their vehicle’s engine block heater until the necessary repairs are made.

Warning signs of a malfunctioning engine block heater may include coolant puddles, a loss of cabin heat, smoke, or burning odors. The safety recall report states, “Customers may notice coolant spots on the driveway or garage floor, a loss of cabin heat, powertrain unit overheating, or a warning indicator for a low coolant level.” Additionally, heat damage to the block heater’s electrical wiring and connector may produce odors or smoke.

MIKE ROWE, FORD CEO WARN AMERICA’S MANUFACTURING CRISIS IS AT A BREAKING POINT AS CHINA SURGES AHEAD

Vehicles for sale at a Ford dealership in London, Ontario, Canada, on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (Brett Gundlock/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Ford will notify affected owners by mail, providing instructions to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for the replacement of the engine block heater once a redesigned unit is available.

Drivers can expect to receive notifications by February 13, detailing the fire hazard and interim safety instructions until a permanent solution is implemented. A follow-up letter will be sent by April 2026, informing owners that the redesigned engine block heater is ready for installation.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROPOSES SCRAPPING AUTOMATED TRAFFIC CAMERAS IN DC

Vehicles at a Ford-Lincoln dealership in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (Andrej Ivanov/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

In light of this recall, dealers have been instructed to hold delivery of any new in-stock vehicles affected by the recall until the necessary repairs are completed.

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For further assistance, owners can reach out to Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. The recall identification number is 26S01, and Vehicle Identification Numbers involved in the recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a significant recall affecting over 116,000 Ford vehicles. This recall is due to a potential fire risk associated with the engine block heater, a device designed to warm the engine prior to starting in freezing temperatures.

According to the recall report, the engine block heater may crack and leak coolant when plugged into an external power source. This defect raises concerns about the possibility of a short circuit, which could lead to an underhood fire.

The recall specifically impacts certain models, including the 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine.

FORD NAMED NO. 1 MOST ICONIC AMERICAN COMPANY IN NATIONWIDE SURVEY: ‘MAKING PEOPLE’S LIVES BETTER’

A mechanic works on a Ford Motor Co. car at the Northstar Ford dealership in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, on Thursday, June 13, 2019. (Amber Bracken/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

As of December 2025, the NHTSA has received 12 reports of fires linked to this issue, particularly in Escape vehicles. To mitigate the risk of an underhood fire, the NHTSA advises customers to avoid plugging in their vehicle’s engine block heater until the necessary repairs are made.

Warning signs of a malfunctioning engine block heater may include coolant puddles, a loss of cabin heat, smoke, or burning odors. The safety recall report states, “Customers may notice coolant spots on the driveway or garage floor, a loss of cabin heat, powertrain unit overheating, or a warning indicator for a low coolant level.” Additionally, heat damage to the block heater’s electrical wiring and connector may produce odors or smoke.

MIKE ROWE, FORD CEO WARN AMERICA’S MANUFACTURING CRISIS IS AT A BREAKING POINT AS CHINA SURGES AHEAD

Vehicles for sale at a Ford dealership in London, Ontario, Canada, on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (Brett Gundlock/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Ford will notify affected owners by mail, providing instructions to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for the replacement of the engine block heater once a redesigned unit is available.

Drivers can expect to receive notifications by February 13, detailing the fire hazard and interim safety instructions until a permanent solution is implemented. A follow-up letter will be sent by April 2026, informing owners that the redesigned engine block heater is ready for installation.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROPOSES SCRAPPING AUTOMATED TRAFFIC CAMERAS IN DC

Vehicles at a Ford-Lincoln dealership in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (Andrej Ivanov/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

In light of this recall, dealers have been instructed to hold delivery of any new in-stock vehicles affected by the recall until the necessary repairs are completed.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

For further assistance, owners can reach out to Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. The recall identification number is 26S01, and Vehicle Identification Numbers involved in the recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.