Recall 20V098 affects 13,854 2015-2016 Ford F-150 trucks for block heater cable damage. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 13,854 2015-2016 F-150 pick-up trucks under recall 20V098 because block immersion heaters on 3.5L GTDI engines were relocated too close to hot engine components. Heat damage to the heater cable can cause a resistive short, overheated or melted wiring, and a fire risk; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The block immersion heater on affected 2015-2016 Ford F-150 pickup trucks helps warm the engine before cold weather starts. Its electrical cable carries household power from a wall outlet to the heater mounted in the engine block. The cable has to be the right length and needs heat protection where it runs near hot engine parts.
On these trucks, earlier service work relocated the heater to a different spot on the 3.5L GTDI engine. Later replacement cables did not match that relocated position. The cable was longer and lacked the heat protective tape and connector shield needed for that routing, so engine heat and nearby components can damage the cable.
Owners can notice the heater stop working, a tripped household breaker, or a tripped outlet GFCI. When the cable is plugged into a wall outlet, warning signs include buzzing, sizzling, smoke, or sparks.
Who's affected?
Across both model years, the listed F-150 component categories are engine and electrical.
| 2015 Ford F-150 | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2015 Ford F-150 | Electrical |
| 2016 Ford F-150 | Engine |
| 2016 Ford F-150 | Electrical |
| Units affected | 13,854 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2015-2016 Ford F-150 pickup is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged block heater cable can create a resistive short, overheat or melt wiring, and increase the risk of a fire. Watch for an inoperative block heater, a tripped breaker or GFCI, buzzing or sizzling, smoke, or sparks when the cable is plugged into a wall outlet. If you see or hear those signs, unplug the cable and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Ford F-150 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free block-heater inspection and cable repair.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V098 when you call.
- Avoid using the block heater until the dealer inspects it; a damaged cable raises the risk of overheated or melted wiring and fire.
- Ask the dealer whether replacement parts are available. If they are not, have the dealer disable the existing block-heater cable until parts are ready.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the block heater location and the cable routing. If the heater or cable is too close to hot engine components or shows damage, the technician replaces the needed block heater components. If replacement parts are unavailable during the visit, the dealer disables the existing block heater cable until parts are ready. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because Ford says that warranty coverage provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 21, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 24, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| February 24, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 6, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 6, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 9, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V098?
Recall 20V098 covers 13,854 2015-2016 Ford F-150 pickups with 3.5L GTDI engines and block immersion heaters. The heater was relocated too close to hot engine parts, which can damage the cable and raise the risk of overheated or melted wiring and fire.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Ford F-150 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V098. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer for an inspection of the block heater location and cable. Ford's dealer repair is free. Reference Ford recall number 20S08 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Ford dealers will inspect the block heater location and cable, replace components as necessary, and disable the existing block heater cable if replacement parts are not available yet.
Is it safe to drive my Ford F-150 before the repair?
Ford has not issued a do-not-drive order for recall 20V098. The safety risk is tied to a damaged block heater cable that can create overheated or melted wiring and fire risk. Avoid using the block heater until a Ford dealer inspects the cable and location.
What if I bought my Ford F-150 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific F-150 is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall 20V098 or Ford recall number 20S08.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V098000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V098 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V098000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →