NHTSAEQUIPMENT
Ford Motor Company - Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
Published: January 15, 2026Recall ID: 26V011000Category: vehiclesCountry: US
Reason for Recall / Hazard
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Product Description & Identification
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.
Affected Products
Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
Additional Source Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Subject | Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire |
| Nhtsa id | 26V011000 |
| Component | EQUIPMENT |
| Recall link › Url | https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V011000 |
| Recall link › Description | Go to Recall |
| Recall type | Vehicle |
| Do not drive | No |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Defect summary | 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. |
| Corrective action | 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. |
| Consequence summary | An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. |
| Mfr campaign number | 26S01 |
| Potentially affected | 116672 |
| Report received date | 2026-01-15T00:00:00.000 |
| Fire risk when parked | No |