Ford Engine Block Heater Recalls Issued Following More Than 50 Reports of Fires

Manufacturer is recalling certain recent model year vehicles after a device meant to improve engine performance during cold weather was found to potentially cause fires.

Nearly 120,000 vehicles are affected by two separate Ford recalls, after more than 50 vehicle fires have been linked to defective engine block heaters, which may leak coolant and cause a short circuit.

An engine block heater (EBH) is an electrically powered device installed directly into an engine block. It is designed to warm the engine and its fluids before ignition, making it easier to start the vehicle in freezing temperatures while reducing engine wear, improving fuel efficiency and lowering emissions. Drivers typically plug the heater into a household electrical outlet overnight in colder climates.

However, Ford says the engine block heater in the affected vehicles may crack over time, allowing engine coolant to leak into the heater’s electrical connection where the power cord attaches. If the heater is plugged in while coolant is present, the leak can trigger an electrical short circuit.

Regulators warn that such a short circuit can generate intense heat or sparks inside the engine compartment, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. This creates a risk of engine fires that could ignite in garages or driveways and spread to nearby property before owners are aware of a problem.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a Ford Focus and Ford Explorer recall on January 20, affecting 2,403 vehicles, including select 2016 through 2018 Ford Focus models and 2019 and 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles. 

According to the agency’s safety recall report, the issue has been linked to at least six customer complaints, 30 legal claims, 21 reports filed with Transport Canada and 46 separate vehicle fire incidents.

On the same day, NHTSA also announced a recall of 116,672 Ford Escape, Focus and Lincoln vehicles. That safety recall report cites an additional 12 fire incidents and affects certain 2015 through 2016 Lincoln MKC, 2013 through 2019 Ford Escape and 2013 through 2018 Ford Focus models.

Ford Engine Block Heater Recall History

Ford reported that it first became aware of potential engine block heater fire risks on January 16, 2025, when the issue was elevated to the company’s Critical Concern Review Group. In the months that followed, Ford reviewed supplier materials and manufacturing quality records, initially determining that the engine block heaters were produced in accordance with design specifications.

Further testing, however, identified cracks in the heaters that could allow engine coolant to leak into the power cord interface, creating the potential for an electrical short circuit. Additional analysis of returned components and fire-damaged vehicles later confirmed these findings.

As a result, Ford issued a voluntary safety recall for Ford Focus and Explorer vehicles, and a separate voluntary safety recall for Lincoln MKC, Ford Escape and Ford Focus models.

While no accidents or injuries have been reported, officials warn that customers may notice coolant spots on driveways or garage floors, a loss of cabin heat, powertrain overheating, a low coolant warning indicator, or unusual odors or smoke, all of which could signal a potential issue.

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied.

Customers will begin receiving notification letters about the safety risk on February 13, with a follow-up letter expected in April once dealers are able to replace the block heater free of charge.

The manufacturer’s number for the Ford Focus and Explorer recall is 25SA4, and it is 26S01 for the Lincoln, Ford Escape and Ford Focus recall. Owners with questions can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, or reach the recall representative, Dusty Gardner, at dusty.gardner@dot.gov.

Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-275-9171), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

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