Engine block heater may short circuit and cause fire
Defect Summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 focus, 2013-2019 escape, and 2015-2016 mkc vehicles equipped with a 2.0l engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Safety 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 plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed march 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s01. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on nhtsa.gov on january 16, 2026.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Equipment.
FAQ: Recall 26V011000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 26V011000?
NHTSA recall 26V011000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on January 15, 2026. It addresses: Engine block heater may short circuit and cause fire. The recall affects approximately 116,672 vehicles, with the defect involving the Equipment component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 26V011000 or the manufacturer campaign number 26S01. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-20. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.