Ford Motor Company has issued a significant safety recall affecting more than 119,000 vehicles across the United States. The action comes in response to a potentially dangerous defect involving cracked engine block heaters that could lead to serious fire hazards.
Scope of the Recall and Affected Models
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed that the recall impacts 119,075 vehicles in the U.S. market. The affected models span several years and include both Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with specific 2.0L engines.
Detailed List of Recalled Vehicles
- 2016-2018 Ford Focus models
- 2019 Ford Explorer vehicles
- 2024 Ford Explorer models
- 2013-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with 2.0L engines
- 2013-2019 Ford Escape models with 2.0L engines
- 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles with 2.0L engines
This comprehensive recall demonstrates the widespread nature of the potential safety issue across multiple vehicle lines and model years.
Nature of the Safety Defect
The core problem involves engine block heaters that may develop cracks over time. According to NHTSA documentation, these cracks can allow coolant to leak from the heating system. When this occurs, the leaked coolant can create a short circuit within the electrical components of the heater.
The most serious risk emerges when vehicle owners plug in their engine block heaters during cold weather. The combination of electrical short circuits and flammable coolant significantly increases the likelihood of fires starting in the engine compartment. This represents a clear safety threat to both vehicle occupants and property.
Immediate Safety Recommendations
NHTSA has issued specific guidance for owners of affected vehicles. The agency strongly advises against using engine block heaters until the necessary repairs have been completed. This precautionary measure is essential to prevent potential fire incidents while vehicles remain in the recall process.
For those living in colder climates who typically rely on engine block heaters during winter months, this restriction may require alternative cold-weather starting strategies until dealerships can perform the required fixes.
Repair Process and Timeline
Ford dealerships across the United States will replace the faulty engine block heaters at no cost to vehicle owners. The repair process involves installing new, properly functioning heaters that eliminate the cracking and leakage risks identified in the recall.
The notification process will occur in two distinct phases:
- Initial interim letters alerting owners to the safety risk will be mailed beginning February 13, 2026
- Follow-up notifications will be distributed once the final repair solution becomes available, which NHTSA anticipates will occur in April 2026
This staggered notification approach ensures owners receive immediate safety warnings while allowing time for dealerships to prepare for the repair workload.
Broader Impact Beyond U.S. Borders
While the current recall specifically addresses vehicles in the United States, similar safety concerns have prompted action in neighboring Canada. Transport Canada has announced a separate recall affecting over 300,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles for identical engine block heater fire risks.
This international dimension underscores the global nature of the component issue and suggests that additional recalls may emerge in other markets where affected vehicles were sold.
The recall represents one of the more significant automotive safety actions in recent months and highlights ongoing challenges in vehicle component reliability and safety monitoring systems.
