Ford Focus and Explorer recall 26V012000 - Engine Block Heater

NHTSA · January 15, 2026

• NHTSA recall campaign 26V012000 (Ford), reported January 15, 2026.
• Potentially affected vehicles: 2,403.
• Component: Engine Block Heater.
• Details as of October 24, 2026; the linked official notice is authoritative for lot codes, VINs, and remedies.

Agency

NHTSA

Posted

January 15, 2026

Recalling firm

Ford Motor Company

Source ID

26V012000

NHTSA campaign →

How this recall compares

• NHTSA's recalls file lists 890 recall campaigns from Ford Motor Company since 2010, 82 of them reported in 2026 so far.
• At 2,403 vehicles, it is larger than 62% of the 738 NHTSA campaigns from 2026 so far with a count of potentially affected vehicles.

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

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 blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.

Affected vehicles

Related: Vehicle recalls · Search every recall · All recall events