Recall 16V183 covers 1,543 2015-2016 Lincoln Mkc and Explorer vehicles for overheating engine block heaters. Stop using the heater until free dealer repair.
Lincoln is recalling 1,543 2015-2016 Mkc and Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters because the heater elements can overheat while plugged in. Overheating raises the risk of a fire, and a franchised dealer will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine block heater on the 2015-2016 Lincoln Mkc and Explorer is an electric heating element installed in the engine block. When the vehicle is parked and plugged in, the element warms the coolant around the 2.3L GTDI engine so cold starts are easier.
In affected vehicles, the block heater sits in a design and installation angle that leaves it vulnerable when coolant is low. A vapor pocket can form around the heating element, which reduces heat transfer into the coolant. That lets the element and its electrical connector get too hot while the vehicle is parked and plugged in. The overheated area can damage the connector, leak coolant, and create a fire risk under the hood.
Owners can see coolant leaking under the vehicle or a check engine light. Poor cabin heat can also point to coolant loss, and the block heater connector can show heat damage.
Who's affected?
Covers Mkc and Explorer SUVs across the 2015 and 2016 model years, with the same engine component listed for each vehicle.
| 2015 Lincoln Mkc | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2016 Ford Explorer | Engine |
| 2016 Lincoln Mkc | Engine |
| Units affected | 1,543 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
An overheated engine block heater raises the risk of a fire. Stop using the engine block heater until the recall repair is complete. Watch for coolant under the vehicle, a check engine light, weak cabin heat, or heat damage at the heater connector, and schedule service soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Lincoln Mkc or Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free engine block heater replacement and cord inspection that addresses overheating while plugged in.
- Bring the recall notice if you have one. If not, reference recall number 16V183 and Lincoln recall 16S14 when you call.
- Stop using the engine block heater until the dealer completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician replaces the engine block heater and inspects the electrical cord. If the cord shows a related problem, the technician replaces it too. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Do not use the engine block heater until the repair is complete. Out of pocket repairs already paid are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because that warranty would provide a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 31, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 31, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| March 31, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 16, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 16, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 18, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V183?
Recall 16V183 covers 1,543 2015-2016 Lincoln Mkc and Explorer vehicles with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. The heater element can overheat while plugged in, increasing fire risk. Lincoln dealers will replace the engine block heater for free and inspect the electrical cord.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Lincoln Mkc or Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V183. If it is, stop using the engine block heater until the dealer completes the repair. Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and reference recall number 16V183 or Lincoln recall number 16S14.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 16V183, Lincoln dealers will replace the engine block heater for free and inspect or replace the electrical cord as needed.
Is it safe to use the engine block heater before the repair?
No. The recall remedy says owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been repaired. The heater element can overheat while plugged in, which increases fire risk. Keep the heater unplugged and schedule the free dealer repair.
Who can I call about Lincoln recall 16V183?
Call Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332, or contact a franchised Lincoln dealer with recall number 16V183. Lincoln's internal recall number is 16S14. The dealer can confirm the repair process after your VIN shows the vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V183000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V183 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V183000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →