If you live in a cold-weather state, there is a good chance you have leaned on an engine block heater to make winter mornings a little less brutal. That timing is exactly why Ford’s latest recall is worth paying attention to right now. The issue centers on certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter engines and an engine block heater that can crack, leak coolant, and eventually create the conditions for an electrical short. In the worst case, that short can lead to an underhood fire, but the key detail is that the risk is tied to when the block heater is actually plugged into household power.
The recall spans roughly 117,000 to 119,000 vehicles in the U.S., depending on the specific filing and model mix. The core group includes the 2013-2019 Ford Escape, the 2013-2018 Ford Focus, and the 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC, all of which can be found with the block heater setup in question. The underlying problem is surprisingly specific: cracks can form at solder joints inside the heater, letting coolant seep where it does not belong. As that coolant evaporates, it can leave behind conductive deposits that build over time, and that buildup can eventually trigger a short circuit. The concern is heightened if the heater is plugged into a 110-volt outlet that lacks proper protection like a working circuit breaker or GFCI.
For owners, the helpful part is that the vehicles may offer clues before things escalate. Keep an eye out for coolant spots on the driveway or garage floor, a sudden loss of cabin heat, a low coolant warning, or an overheating situation that seems to come out of nowhere. Ford also notes that if the wiring or connector gets heat-damaged, you might notice an odd smell or even see smoke. If any of that sounds familiar, it is smart to stop using the block heater immediately and get the vehicle checked sooner rather than later. Even if everything seems normal, the safest play is to avoid plugging in the block heater until the repair is completed.
Ford plans to notify owners by mail in February, with remedy parts expected to roll out in April, at which point dealers will replace the engine block heater at no cost. In the meantime, you can also get ahead of the letter by checking your VIN through Ford’s recall lookup or the NHTSA database, especially if you bought your vehicle used and are not sure you are on the right mailing list. If your Escape, Focus, or MKC is part of the affected population, treat this one like a serious winter safety item: the whole point of a block heater is peace of mind on cold starts, not a new reason to worry about what is happening under the hood.
Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a car enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that go beyond the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design with his professional precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both sharp and forward-thinking.
