The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·26V012000·Announced 2027-03-01

2016-2018 Ford Focus engine block heater fire hazard recall

Ford is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus and 2019-2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and short circuit, increasing fire risk.

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: Engine block heater defect creates fire risk through electrical short circuit. No injuries or deaths reported; fire hazard is potential rather than realized, fitting the criterion for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles due to a defect in the engine block heater. The block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, which can cause it to short circuit when plugged in.

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of fire.

Owners should not plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater at no charge, or owners can opt to replace the heater element with a threaded blanking plug and remove the electrical cord. Interim notification letters were mailed to owners on February 13, 2026. Additional letters notifying owners of the complete remedy will be sent once the final repair procedure is available, expected in April 2026.

Owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for more information. Ford's recall number is 25SA4, and this recall expands on a previous recall number 25V685. Vehicle Identification Numbers affected by this recall are searchable on NHTSA.gov.

The recalled product

Product
2016 FORD FOCUS
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Engine Block Heater
Hazard
  • fire
  • electrical-short
Affected units
2,403

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 (2)

  • FOCUS
  • EXPLORER

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · FORD

Same category