Component
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
What Happened
The engine block heater in your vehicle is a component that warms up your engine on cold days. It's located near the front of your engine block and is usually plugged in to a special outlet.
Risk if Unfixed
If the block heater cracks and develops a leak, it can create a short circuit when you plug it in, which could cause a fire.
Free Fix
Your Ford dealer will replace the faulty block heater with a new one, free of charge. You should also stop using the block heater until the repair is done to prevent any potential risks. Contact your dealer to schedule the repair and follow the instructions in the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Original — 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.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →