NHTSA Recall 26V011000: Engine block heater (equipment)
Ford Motor Company reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 116,672 vehicles. It affects 3 models including the Ford Escape.
| NHTSA campaign | 26V011000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 26S01 |
| Component | EQUIPMENT › ELECTRICAL › ENGINE BLOCK HEATER |
| Report received | January 15, 2026 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
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.
Safety risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
Vehicles covered by recall 26V011000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Ford Escape | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Ford Focus | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Lincoln Mkc | 2015, 2016 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.