Recall 26V011 covers 116,672 2013-2019 Ford Escape, Focus, and Lincoln Mkc vehicles for block-heater shorts. Do not plug it in. Repair will be free once available.
Ford is recalling 116,672 2013-2019 Escape, Focus, and Mkc vehicles with 2.0L engines because the engine block heater can crack, leak coolant, and short circuit when plugged in. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire; the Ford dealer repair will be free once Ford makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The engine block heater in the 2013-2019 Escape, Focus, and Mkc is an electric heater installed in the engine block area. When it is plugged in during cold weather, it warms the engine so starting is easier and cabin heat arrives sooner.
On affected vehicles with the 2.0L engine, solder joints around the heater element can crack. Coolant can enter the connection between the heater and its power cord. When that coolant dries, it can leave conductive salt deposits behind. Those deposits can create an electrical path to ground and cause a resistive short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Owners can notice coolant spots on the driveway or garage floor, less cabin heat, engine overheating, or a low-coolant warning. Heat damage at the heater wiring or connector can also cause an odor or smoke.
Who's affected?
Spans Escape, Focus, and Mkc model lines from 2013-2019, all tied to the engine block heater.
| 2015 Ford Escape | Engine block heater |
|---|---|
| 2014 Ford Escape | Engine block heater |
| 2013 Ford Escape | Engine block heater |
| 2018 Ford Focus | Engine block heater |
| 2017 Ford Focus | Engine block heater |
| 2016 Ford Focus | Engine block heater |
| 2015 Ford Focus | Engine block heater |
| 2014 Ford Focus | Engine block heater |
| 2013 Ford Focus | Engine block heater |
| 2016 Lincoln Mkc | Engine block heater |
| 2015 Lincoln Mkc | Engine block heater |
| 2019 Ford Escape | Engine block heater |
| 2018 Ford Escape | Engine block heater |
| 2017 Ford Escape | Engine block heater |
| 2016 Ford Escape | Engine block heater |
| Units affected | 116,672 |
| 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 vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Until the repair is ready, leave the block heater unplugged. Watch for coolant spots, loss of cabin heat, overheating, a low-coolant warning, odor, or smoke, and contact a Ford dealer if any appear. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2019 Ford Escape, Focus, or Mkc is included in this recall.
- Do not plug in the engine block heater until Ford completes the free remedy.
- Wait for Ford's final remedy letter before scheduling the block-heater replacement that addresses the heater crack and coolant-leak short risk.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions and reference recall number 26V011 (Ford recall 26S01).
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer after the final remedy opens to schedule the free repair or the approved plug-and-cord removal option.
What happens at the repair
Until Ford opens the final remedy, do not plug in the block heater. At the dealer, a Ford technician will replace the block heater free of charge. Ford also lists an alternative repair: replacing the engine block heater element with a threaded plug and removing the block heater electrical cord. The dealer repair will be free once available. If you already paid for a related block heater repair, Ford's standard reimbursement plan handles documented out-of-pocket repairs. Contact Ford customer service with your repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 15, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 16, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| January 16, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 20, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 9, 2026 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V011?
Recall 26V011 covers 116,672 2013-2019 Ford Escape, Ford Focus, and Lincoln Mkc vehicles with a 2.0L engine block heater that can crack, leak coolant, and short circuit when plugged in. Ford will replace the block heater for free once the final repair opens.
What should I do if my 2013-2019 Ford Escape, Focus, or Lincoln Mkc is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V011. If it is, do not plug in the engine block heater until Ford completes the recall repair. Contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference Ford recall number 26S01.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Ford says dealers will replace the block heater free of charge. Ford also lists an alternate repair that replaces the block heater element with a threaded plug and removes the electrical cord.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. Ford says the engine block heater can crack and leak coolant, then short circuit when the heater is plugged in. Until the recall repair is complete, do not plug in the block heater. The dealer repair is free once Ford opens the final remedy.
When will Ford notify owners about recall 26V011?
Ford mailed interim owner letters on March 6, 2026, warning owners about the safety risk. Ford says additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Ford dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V011000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V011 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V011000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →