Ford recall: Over 119K cars pulled related to engine heater fire risk, NHTSA says

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Published  January 22, 2026 9:39am CST
FOX Local

FILE-Cars are on display in front of a Ford dealership in 2018. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

The Brief

    • Ford issued a recall for some of its model vehicles because of an engine block heater issue that could pose a fire risk.
    • The automaker's recall involves certain model Ford Escape, Focus, and Lincoln MKC cars.
    • Owners of these cars can receive a refund for the part or dealers or have it replaced for free at their local dealership.

The Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 119,000 vehicles over a potential fire hazard connected to the engine block heater. 

In a Jan. 15 recall notice, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officials stated that the vehicle’s engine block heater could crack and develop "a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in."

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Two notices reported to the NHTSA noted that the recalls cover 116,672 cars and an extra 2,633 engine block heaters. 

Which Ford vehicles were recalled?

Why you should care:

The recall covers the following Ford vehicle models listed below:

  • 2013-2019 Ford Escape
  • 2013-2018 Ford Focus
  • 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC

Additionally, 2,633 Ford engine block heaters produced between Oct. 7, 2011, and Jan. 8, 2026, are subject to recall. They bear part numbers CV6Z-6A051-CA and CV6Z-6A051-AA.

Citing the NHTSA, FOX Business reported that as of December 2025, 12 fires were reported related to the engine block heater problem, specifically with Ford Escape cars. 

Are repairs available for the recalled cars?

What you can do:

Owners of the recalled Fords are advised not to plug in their block heater until their car is remedied, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Car dealers will contact customers with instructions to return the part for a refund, or dealers will replace the block heater once a newly designed part is available for free. Consumers can also call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. The automaker’s number for this recall is 26S02.

The Source: Information for this story was provided by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall notice and FOX Business. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.

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