Ford Recalls Focus, Escape, and MKC for Engine Block Heater Fire Risk
Ford is recalling 2013-2019 Focus, Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles because a cracked engine block heater may short circuit and cause a fire.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a vehicle component that can cause a fire, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or structural vehicle defects, warranting a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The recall involves 116,672 vehicles where the engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak. This condition can cause the block heater to short circuit when plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on March 6, 2026.
Dealers will replace the block heater free of charge. Owners also have the option to replace the engine block heater element with a threaded plug and remove the block heater electrical cord. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01, and owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
The recalled product
- Product
- FORD, LINCOLN FOCUS, ESCAPE, MKC
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle — Engine Component
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 116,672
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 (3)
- FOCUS
- ESCAPE
- MKC
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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