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2016-2024 Ford Explorer and Ford Focus recall: engine block heater

Ford Motor Company reported this safety recall on January 15, 2026. It covers about 2,403 vehicles.

vehicles affected
2,403
reported
Jan 15, 2026

Equipment: electrical: engine block heater

What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
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 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 on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.

Recall number 26V012000

Affected vehicles

Questions about recall 26V012000

Is there a recall on the 2016-2024 Ford Explorer and Ford Focus engine block heater?

Yes. Recall 26V012000, reported on January 15, 2026, covers about 2,403 vehicles.

What is the fix for recall 26V012000?

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 on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.

Is the recall repair free?

Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers. A dealer can confirm with the VIN whether a specific vehicle is included and whether the repair has already been done.

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