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NHTSA recall,

Ford: Focus (2013-2018), Escape (2013-2019), and Lincoln MKC (2015-2016)

The engine block heater may crack, leak coolant, and short circuit, increasing fire risk.

Summary by Recall Canary from the NHTSA notice

What happened

Ford Motor Company 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. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. The recall affects 116,672 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. Owners will also have an alternative option to replace the engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available.

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 plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. 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 March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available.

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 plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. 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.

Is your Lincoln affected?

3 models

These models and years may be affected.

  • EscapeFord, model years 2013 to 2019
  • FocusFord, model years 2013 to 2018
  • MKCLincoln, model years 2015 to 2016

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
26V011000
Vehicles affected
116,672
Repair cost
Free of charge
Manufacturer's recall number
26S01
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 2, 2026 · primary source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (opens in a new tab)