United States2013–2018 Ford Focus, 2013–2019 Ford Escape, and 2015–2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine are affected; look for one of these model years with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and leak coolant, which can short circuit when plugged in and increase the risk of fire. Owners are advised not to plug in the block heater until repaired; dealers will replace the block heater free of charge or owners may choose a threaded plug replacement and removal of the electrical cord; Ford recall 26S01, customer service 1-866-436-7332.
What's being recalled
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.
How to identify it
NHTSA campaign 26V011000; Manufacturer campaign 26S01
The hazard
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
What to do
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.
The official notice
This page is a summary of the notice published by U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, collected from U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Check the original before you act on it.
Read the official notice (opens in a new tab)