The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·25V685000·Announced 2025-10-10

Ford Vehicles Engine Block Heater May Crack and Cause Fire

Ford is recalling multiple vehicle models because the engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing an electrical short circuit and fire risk. Owners should not plug in the block heater until the vehicle is repaired.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The hazard is an electrical short circuit that can increase the risk of fire. However, no fires, injuries, or deaths have been reported. This is a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, meeting the criteria for Score 3 (High).

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling multiple 2016-2024 vehicle models including Explorer, Ranger, Escape, Bronco, Maverick, and certain Lincoln models. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak. When the block heater is plugged in, the crack can cause an electrical short circuit.

An electrical short circuit in the block heater creates a risk of fire. No fires, injuries, or deaths have been reported related to this defect.

A total of 59,006 vehicles are affected by this recall. Owners should not plug in their block heater until the vehicle has been repaired. Interim notification letters were mailed to owners on December 3, 2025. Dealers will replace the block heater free of charge, or owners may choose to have the heater element replaced with a blanking plug and the electrical cord removed. Additional letters notifying owners of the final remedy will be sent in September 2026. Owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for more information.

The recalled product

Product
2020 FORD EXPLORER
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Engine Block Heater
Hazard
  • electrical-fire
  • coolant-leak
Affected units
59,006

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (9)

  • EXPLORER
  • CORSAIR
  • FUSION
  • RANGER
  • BRONCO SPORT
  • BRONCO
  • ESCAPE
  • MAVERICK
  • MKC

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · FORD

Same category