In January 2026, Toyota issued a major recall for safety reasons. Days later, Ford followed with its own voluntary recall over a potential fire risk from faulty engine block heaters. This article will detail which vehicles are affected, the issue that caused the recall, and what owners should do next.
Ford Recalls More Than 116,000 Vehicles Over Fire Risk
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website confirms that the Ford Motor Company has voluntarily issued a massive recall. The vehicles involved are the 2013-2019 Ford Escapes, the 2013-2018 Ford Focus, and the 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC that are equipped with 2.0L engines and the accessory engine block heater. Furthermore, it states that 116,672 combined units of those three models are implicated.
The defect involves the engine block heater in vehicles with 2.0L engines. “Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.” The recall states that the defect can cause a short circuit that increases the risk of fire. According to a January 2026 Fox News report which cites the NHTSA, “there have been 12 reports of fires related to the issue, particularly in Escape vehicles.”
What Drivers Need to Know About What Happens Next
The first thing that anyone who drives any of the vehicles involved in this recall needs to know is what they shouldn’t be doing, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall notice. “Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied.”
The notice goes on to state that owners are set to be notified about the recall by mid-February and that dealers will replace the block heater for free once arrangements are made (likely in mid-April). In the meantime, the recall details how owners can find more information.
“Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in April 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.”
Ford Has Issued Similar Recalls in the Past
In December, 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published details of a recall. That voluntary action happened due to issues that potentially affected 410,289 Ford vehicles, primarily F-Series trucks. The problem the recall was meant to solve was described this way.
“The risk to safety only exists while the vehicle is parked and the block heater cable is plugged into an electrical outlet. A resistive short in the engine block heater splice connector can increase the risk of overheated or melted wiring and fire.” While the two issues weren’t strictly the same, both recalls were for the block heater cable causing an increased risk of fire when plugged in.
