Ford Motor Company has announced a recall affecting approximately 116,672 vehicles due to a significant fire risk associated with engine block heaters. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued Recall No. 26V011 this week, highlighting the potential for overheating and coolant leaks that could lead to short-circuiting while vehicles are parked.
The recall includes several models produced between 2013 and 2019, specifically those equipped with a 2.0L engine. The NHTSA stated that the engine block heater may experience overheating, which can subsequently cause coolant to leak through its element pins. This issue raises the risk of a resistive short when the vehicle is connected to an electrical supply.
Details of the Recall
The vehicles affected by this recall include the following:
– 2013-2018 Ford Focus: 49,080 units
– 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC: 1,909 units
– 2013-2019 Ford Escape: 65,683 units
This latest recall is part of a troubling trend for Ford, which has faced a growing number of recalls in recent years. According to a report from Kelley Blue Book, Ford issued more safety recalls than any other automaker in 2025, totaling over 103 alerts.
During a recent earnings call, Ford Chief Operating Officer Kumar Gahotra expressed concern over the increasing number of recalls, stating, “We are not satisfied with the current level of recalls or the number of vehicles impacted.” The company has acknowledged its struggles with quality control, as highlighted by Brian Moody, Executive Editor at Autotrader, who noted the complexity of modern vehicles has contributed to these ongoing issues.
Owner Guidance and Safety Measures
Owners of the affected models are urged to contact Ford immediately to arrange for necessary repairs. The company advises against using the engine block heater until repairs have been completed, which will be provided free of charge. Notifications regarding the recall are being mailed out this month.
The NHTSA has identified several warning signs that may indicate a vehicle is affected by this recall, including coolant spots on surfaces beneath the vehicle, a loss of cabin heat, overheating of the powertrain unit, or a warning indicator for low coolant levels. Additionally, there may be noticeable odors or smoke resulting from heat damage to the block heater’s electrical wiring and connector.
Ford is in the process of developing a new block heater element to address these safety concerns. In the meantime, customers have the option to have the block heater removed and replaced with a threaded plug at no cost.
As vehicle safety remains a critical issue, this recall adds to a growing list of significant recalls involving various manufacturers. For instance, recent statistics show major issues across the automotive industry, including over a million vehicles recalled by Ford for rearview camera failures, and nearly 850,000 vehicles recalled for low-pressure fuel pump defects.
While Ford continues to face scrutiny over its recall practices, it is essential for owners to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
