Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
Ford Motor Company
Which vehicles may be affected?
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Potentially affected: 116,672
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What should owners do now?
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What NHTSA says
Component
EQUIPMENT
Consequence
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Is a fix available?
No fix yet
No fix yet, according to NHTSA
“Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available.”
Until the fix is available, follow the cautions NHTSA lists on this page.
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Source
NHTSA campaign number: 26V011000
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V011000
Report date: January 15, 2026
Last updated: November 2, 2026
Recall information from NHTSA, shown as published. Car Czar is not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer.