Ford recalls 119k vehicles for engine block heater fire risk
Ford vehicle recall: engine block heater fire hazard
Ford recalls 119k vehicles for engine block heater fire risk
Ford recalls 119,075 vehicles in the US due to engine block heater fire risk. Affected models include Focus, Escape, Explorer, and Lincoln MKC. Learn more.
2026-01-22T06:37:22+03:00
2026-01-22T06:37:22+03:00
2026-01-22T06:37:22+03:00
Ford has announced a recall of 119,075 vehicles in the US market. The move addresses a potential fire hazard linked to the engine block heater. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the component can crack and leak coolant, which may lead to a short circuit and fire when plugged into an electrical outlet.The recall is being conducted as a preventive measure to eliminate the possibility of incidents when using the vehicles in cold conditions.Which models are affectedThe campaign covers certain Ford Focus, Escape, and Explorer models, as well as Lincoln MKC crossovers. All these vehicles are equipped with an engine block heater designed to ease cold starts.The regulator does not specify the number of reported incidents but emphasizes that the risk increases precisely when the device is connected to an external power source.Recommendations for ownersUntil the issue is resolved, owners are strongly advised not to plug in the engine block heater. Ford and NHTSA stress that this is a temporary measure aimed at minimizing risks before repairs are made.Ford dealers will replace the faulty heaters free of charge. Owners will be officially notified when the service campaign begins.What this recall means for the brandThe recall affects popular models that sold in large volumes, but it is not directly related to the engine or fuel system. Instead, it involves auxiliary equipment primarily used in cold-climate regions.For Ford, this serves as another reminder of the importance of monitoring components supplied by third-party contractors, especially those that interact with electrical systems and coolant fluids.
Ford recall, engine block heater, fire hazard, vehicle safety, NHTSA, Focus, Escape, Explorer, Lincoln MKC, automotive recall
2026
Michael Powers
news
Ford vehicle recall: engine block heater fire hazard
Ford recalls 119,075 vehicles in the US due to engine block heater fire risk. Affected models include Focus, Escape, Explorer, and Lincoln MKC. Learn more.
Michael Powers, Editor
Ford has announced a recall of 119,075 vehicles in the US market. The move addresses a potential fire hazard linked to the engine block heater. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the component can crack and leak coolant, which may lead to a short circuit and fire when plugged into an electrical outlet.
The recall is being conducted as a preventive measure to eliminate the possibility of incidents when using the vehicles in cold conditions.
Which models are affected
The campaign covers certain Ford Focus, Escape, and Explorer models, as well as Lincoln MKC crossovers. All these vehicles are equipped with an engine block heater designed to ease cold starts.
The regulator does not specify the number of reported incidents but emphasizes that the risk increases precisely when the device is connected to an external power source.
Recommendations for owners
Until the issue is resolved, owners are strongly advised not to plug in the engine block heater. Ford and NHTSA stress that this is a temporary measure aimed at minimizing risks before repairs are made.
Ford dealers will replace the faulty heaters free of charge. Owners will be officially notified when the service campaign begins.
What this recall means for the brand
The recall affects popular models that sold in large volumes, but it is not directly related to the engine or fuel system. Instead, it involves auxiliary equipment primarily used in cold-climate regions.
For Ford, this serves as another reminder of the importance of monitoring components supplied by third-party contractors, especially those that interact with electrical systems and coolant fluids.
