Some Ford Block Heaters Are Short Circuiting And Causing Fires

Ford is recalling 119,075 vehicles in the United States after identifying a defect that could increase the risk of an underhood fire. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the issue involves the engine block heater, which may crack and leak coolant. If that coolant reaches electrical components while the heater is plugged in, it could create a short circuit.

The recall affects certain Ford Focus, Escape, and Explorer models, along with the Lincoln MKC—some vehicles are more than a decade old at this point. Block heaters are typically used in colder climates to warm the engine fluids before startup, reducing wear during cold starts. In this case, however, a compromised heater housing can allow coolant to escape and contact the electrical connection when the system is energized.

Ford is advising owners of affected vehicles not to plug in their block heaters until repairs have been completed. Dealers will replace the block heater at no cost to the customer. Owner notification is expected to begin soon, and the remedy will be handled through Ford and Lincoln service networks.

While block heater-related recalls are relatively uncommon, the risk of electrical shorting and fire places this issue squarely in the safety category, prompting federal oversight and a mandatory repair campaign. Owners who regularly rely on block heaters during the winter months may want to confirm whether their vehicle is included and schedule service promptly.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

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