Ford recall — Engine Block Heater
NHTSA · January 15, 2026
- NHTSA recall campaign 26V012000 (Ford), reported .
- Potentially affected vehicles: 2,403.
- Component: Engine Block Heater.
- Details as of ; the linked official notice is authoritative for lot codes, VINs, and remedies.
- Agency
- NHTSA
- Posted
- Recalling firm
- Ford Motor Company
- Source ID
- 26V012000
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 October 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
| Make | Model | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ford | Explorer | 2019 |
| Ford | Explorer | 2024 |
| Ford | Focus | 2016 |
| Ford | Focus | 2017 |
| Ford | Focus | 2018 |
Related: Vehicle recalls · All recall events