2016-2018 Ford Focus, 2019, 2024 Ford Explorer recall: Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
Report received by NHTSA: Jan. 15, 2026.
Built by the Tribune's code from NHTSA's official records. No AI wrote this page. Updated Nov. 4, 2026.
- What's recalled
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- The risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Who's affected
2,403 vehicles potentially affected, according to NHTSA. Models: 2016-2018 Ford Focus, 2019, 2024 Ford Explorer.
- Compared with
Ford Motor Company has 84 NHTSA recalls in 2026 so far, compared with 153 in all of 2025.
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- Before this
555 earlier NHTSA recalls by Ford Motor Company since Nov. 1, 2016; the 5 most recent:
- Jan. 15, 2026 2013-2019 Ford Escape, 2013-2018 Ford Focus, 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC recall: Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
- Jan. 15, 2026 Ford Motor Company equipment recall: Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
- Dec. 18, 2025 2021-2022 Ford Bronco recall: Rearview Camera May Fail to Turn Off/FMVSS 111
- Dec. 18, 2025 2022 Ford Transit recall: Rearview Camera Display May Not Operate
- Dec. 18, 2025 2019 Ford Expedition recall: Out Of Park Warning Message and Chime Too Short (agency record)
Counted by the Tribune from NHTSA's records since Nov. 1, 2016.
- What to do and when
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 blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
NHTSA's record, word for word
- Check it yourself
NHTSA's VIN lookup shows whether a specific vehicle has an open recall.
Models in this recall
- Ford Explorer 2019, 2024
- Ford Focus 2016-2018
The record as NHTSA published it
| NHTSA recall number | 26V012000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Recall type | Vehicle |
| Component | EQUIPMENT |
| Report received by NHTSA | Jan. 15, 2026 |
| Potentially affected | 2,403 vehicles |
| Manufacturer's recall number | 25SA4 |
| “Do not drive” warning | No |
| Fire risk when parked (“park outside”) | No |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall records (public domain). NHTSA's record