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NHTSA recall,

Ford Focus and Explorer Vehicles

The engine block heater may crack and leak coolant, causing a short circuit that can increase the risk of a fire.

Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice

What happened

Ford Motor Company 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 it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. The recall affects 2,403 vehicles nationwide and was reported to NHTSA on January 15, 2026.

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge, or offer an alternative option to replace the engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed February 13, 2026.

Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.

More vehicle equipment defect recalls

What to do

If you own a vehicle in this recall:

  1. Check your VIN (vehicle identification number) at nhtsa.gov/recalls. VINs are searchable from January 16, 2026.
  2. You are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Free of charge.
  3. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. You will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. You may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
  4. Watch your mail. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026.

What you get Free repair

Full text from NHTSA

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.

Is your Ford affected?

2 models

These models and years may be affected.

  • Explorer, model years 20192024
  • Focus, model years 2016 to 2018

Your VIN confirms it. Find the 17-character VIN on the driver's side of the dashboard or on your registration card.

Check your VIN on nhtsa.gov (opens in a new tab)

Recall details

Reported to NHTSA
Sold in
Nationwide
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Component
Vehicle equipment defect
Campaign
26V012000
Vehicles affected
2,403
Repair cost
Free of charge
Manufacturer's recall number
25SA4
Manufacturer phone
1-866-436-7332

All recalls from Ford Motor Company

Timeline

  1. Reported to NHTSA

  2. Listed on Recall Canary

  3. Summary updated

Other vehicle equipment defect recalls

See all: Other vehicle equipment defect recalls

Summary by Recall Canary, written with AI · summary updated Oct 26, 2026 · primary source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (opens in a new tab)