Ford and Lincoln Recall Over 116,000 Vehicles for Engine Block Heater Fire Risk

What Happened

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for specific vehicle models equipped with 2.0L engines due to a defect in the engine block heater. The heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, which can lead to an electrical short circuit when the block heater is plugged into an electrical outlet.

Which Products Are Affected

The recall affects approximately 116,672 units. The following vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine are included in this action:

• Ford Focus: Model years 2013-2018
• Ford Escape: Model years 2013-2019
• Lincoln MKC: Model years 2015-2016

What You Should Do

Owners are advised not to plug in their engine block heaters until the vehicle has been repaired. Ford dealers will replace the engine block heater free of charge.

Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed by February 13, 2026. A second letter will be sent once the final remedy is available, which is anticipated in April 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s internal reference number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on the NHTSA website on January 16, 2026.

Why This Matters

An electrical short circuit in the engine block heater significantly increases the risk of a vehicle fire, which poses a danger to occupants and nearby property.

Source

Attributed to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Campaign Number 26V011000.