The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighNHTSA·26V012000·Announced 2026-01-15

Ford engine block heater may crack and short circuit when plugged in

Ford is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer and 2024 Explorer vehicles because the engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing a short circuit when plugged in.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

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: Rubric level 3 covers risk-of-harm where injury has not yet been reported: the fire hazard arises only when an accessory heater is plugged in, and owners are told they can avoid it by not using it.

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer and 2024 Explorer vehicles. About 2,403 units are potentially affected.

The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

NHTSA states that 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. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge, and owners will also have the alternative option of replacing the engine block heater element. Owners may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
FORD FOCUS, EXPLORER
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Engine accessories
Hazard
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.

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