Component
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
What Happened
Your vehicle's engine block heater is a component that warms up your engine before you start driving. In some affected 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC models with a 2.0L engine, this heater can crack and leak coolant, causing a short circuit when you plug it in.
Risk if Unfixed
If the heater short circuits, it could catch fire, which is a serious risk.
Free Fix
Don't use your block heater until it's fixed. Your dealer will replace the faulty heater at no cost to you. Alternatively, you can have the heater removed and the electrical cord taken out, and you'll be contacted about scheduling the repair once the remedy is available.
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 →
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