Driving the news: Ford $F ( ▼ 0.89% ) is recalling 116,672 vehicles after engine block heaters developed coolant leaks that could cause fires when plugged in.
The details: The recall covers 2013-2018 Focus models (49,080 units), 2013-2019 Escapes (65,683 units), and 2015-2016 Lincoln MKCs (1,909 units) equipped with 2.0L engines. Ford estimates only about 1% actually have the defect.
Coolant can leak into the block heater's electrical connection. When it evaporates, it leaves behind deposits that build up and cause a short circuit.
The fire risk only exists when the block heater is plugged in, and increases without a circuit breaker or GFCI outlet.
Drivers may notice coolant spots on the garage floor, loss of cabin heat, overheating warnings, or an odor from heat-damaged wiring.
Worth noting: Ford flagged this in January 2025 and found cracks and internal voids in failed heaters. The root cause remains under investigation, but Ford believes the heater's packaging in 2.0L engines, the angle it sits at, and cooling system leaks may combine to cause overheating. As of December 2025, Ford had received 12 fire reports from Escape owners.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the block heater with a newly designed unit at no charge once parts are available, but owners should stop using their block heaters until the fix is done. Dealer notifications go out February 13, 2026, and drivers can check VINs here.
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