Recall 25V793 affects 7,046 2021 Ford E-350 and E-450 vehicles for engine-cover heat in the passenger compartment. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 7,046 2021 E-350 and E-450 vehicles under recall 25V793 because an incomplete software update from recall 20V795 can leave the engine cover excessively hot. Direct contact with that cover raises the risk of burns to the driver or front passenger, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The engine cover on the 2021 Ford E-350 and E-450 is the panel, often called the dog house, that sits over the engine inside the cab area. It separates the engine compartment from the driver and front passenger foot areas, and its insulation helps keep heat away from cabin surfaces.
These vans were previously marked repaired under recall 20S73, NHTSA campaign 20V-795, but some did not receive the full powertrain calibration software update. That software was meant to control engine operation during stationary engine idle control and battery charge protect use, conditions that can raise heat around the engine cover. Ford traced the problem to incomplete service-tool software application, combined with an engine cover insulation design that did not leave enough margin for manufacturing variation.
The warning sign is a gradual temperature increase at the engine cover corners near the driver or front passenger feet. Those surfaces get warmer over time before the cover becomes excessively hot.
Who's affected?
The E-350 and E-450 listings point to the same engine cover panel, so the VIN is the deciding detail for owners.
| 2021 Ford E-350 | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2021 Ford E-450 | Engine |
| Units affected | 7,046 |
| 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 your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
Direct contact with hot engine cover surfaces near the driver or front passenger's feet increases the risk of skin injury or burns. Surface temperature rises gradually, so treat unusual heat around the engine cover as a reason to avoid contact and arrange dealer service. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Ford E-350 or E-450 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask whether the free powertrain-calibration update is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the powertrain-calibration update that manages heat under elevated idle conditions and addresses the hot engine cover.
- Reference recall number 25V793 and Ford recall 25SC7 when you call.
- Avoid direct contact with the engine cover area until the dealer update is complete.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer repair is a software update. Once Ford opens the repair, a Ford technician updates the powertrain calibration so the engine manages heat during elevated idle conditions. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Ford used its general reimbursement plan on file, which means owners with documented, related expenses before the recall notice can ask Ford customer service about repayment. Keep repair invoices and payment records with your service paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 17, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 22, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| December 22, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 22, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 7, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V793?
Recall 25V793 covers 7,046 2021 Ford E-350 and E-450 vehicles that received an incomplete software update under recall 20V795. The engine cover can become excessively hot, and Ford dealers will update the powertrain calibration for heat management at no cost.
What should I do if my 2021 Ford E-350 or E-450 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V793. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the powertrain calibration update. Reference recall number 25V793 or Ford recall number 25SC7 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers will update the powertrain calibration for heat management under elevated idle conditions free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is skin injury or burns from direct contact with hot areas of the engine cover surface inside the passenger compartment. Ford identifies the driver and front seat passenger as the people closest to that cover.
When were owners notified about recall 25V793?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on January 7, 2026. VINs became searchable for this recall on December 22, 2025. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call a Ford dealer with recall number 25V793.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V793000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V793 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V793000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (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 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →