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Ford Recalls Over 119,000 Vehicles Over Fire Risk
Ford issued a nationwide recall on January 21, 2026, after identifying a defect that could raise the risk of an underhood fire in certain vehicles, linked to an engine block heater component used in cold weather that many drivers rely on during the winter. The recall was disclosed through filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and affects more than 119,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles across multiple model years. While no widespread injuries have been reported, regulators and the company agree the defect needs to be addressed before colder conditions increase use of the affected part. The filing triggered the formal recall process, including dealer notifications and a timeline for owner letters, and drew swift attention because it involves a potential fire risk and several high-volume Ford models that remain common on U.S. roads. Ford told regulators it plans to notify dealers first, followed by interim notices to owners, and then final remedy letters once replacement parts are available at scale, reflecting the size of the recall and the coordination required across dealerships nationwide.
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Why Ford Recalled the Vehicles
The problem centers on the engine block heater, an electric component designed to warm engine coolant when a vehicle is plugged into a household outlet. According to NHTSA documents, the heater can overheat over time. In some cases, coolant may leak through the heater’s internal pins. Once the coolant dries, it can leave residue that conducts electricity.
That residue can create a resistive short circuit when the heater is plugged in. Under the wrong conditions, this can generate enough heat to increase the chance of an underhood fire. Regulators noted that the risk is tied specifically to the use of the block heater and does not occur during normal driving when the vehicle is not plugged in.
The risk is higher if the heater is connected to a standard outlet without proper circuit protection, such as a functioning breaker or ground fault interrupter.
Affected Vehicles
Ford’s filings describe two related recalls that together cover one hundred nineteen thousand seventy five vehicles in the United States. The affected vehicles include the following models and model years:
- 2013 to 2018 Ford Focus
- 2013 to 2019 Ford Escape
- 2015 to 2016 Lincoln MKC
- 2016 to 2018 Ford Focus RS
- 2019 Ford Explorer
- 2024 Ford Explorer
The exact mix varies by production date and equipment. Only vehicles fitted with the specific engine block heater design are included.
What Owners Might Notice
Regulators say there are several warning signs that may appear before a serious incident occurs. These include visible coolant leaks, loss of cabin heat, engine overheating, or signs of heat damage near the block heater wiring. Smoke or unusual smells coming from the engine bay while the heater is plugged in should also be treated as a serious warning.
Even without symptoms, NHTSA advises owners to take the recall seriously because the defect can worsen gradually.
How Ford Plans to Fix the Issue
Ford dealers will replace the affected engine block heater with an updated design at no cost to owners. The automaker told regulators that parts availability will determine how quickly repairs can be completed. Until the repair is performed, Ford advises owners not to use the block heater. Owner notification letters are expected to begin in February 2026, with final repair instructions following in April once the remedy is fully available.
Owners can check their vehicle identification number on NHTSA’s recall website or contact a Ford or Lincoln dealership to confirm whether their vehicle is affected. If the vehicle is included, scheduling a repair once parts are available is the safest step. Ford says owners should avoid using the block heater until the repair is completed.
For more industry updates, visit our automotive news section.