Recall 26V012 covers 2,403 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2024 Ford Explorer and Focus vehicles for block-heater shorts. Do not plug in the heater. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
Ford is recalling 2,403 Explorer and Focus vehicles from 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024 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 it is available.
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What's wrong?
The engine block heater on the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024 Ford Explorer and Focus is an electric heater installed in the engine block. It warms the engine coolant when the vehicle is parked and the heater cord is plugged in. That helps the engine start in cold weather and brings cabin heat in sooner.
On affected vehicles, solder joints around the heater element can crack at the base of the element. Coolant can move through those cracks into the area where the heater connects to its power cord. As the coolant evaporates, it leaves conductive salt deposits behind. Those deposits can form an electrical path to ground, creating a resistive short circuit when the heater is energized.
Owners can notice coolant spots under the vehicle, reduced cabin heat, engine overheating, or a low-coolant warning. Heat damage at the block heater wiring or connector can also create an odor or smoke.
Who's affected?
The scope combines Explorer and Focus model years under the same engine block heater part.
| 2024 Ford Explorer | Engine block heater |
|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Focus | Engine block heater |
| 2016 Ford Focus | Engine block heater |
| 2018 Ford Focus | Engine block heater |
| 2019 Ford Explorer | Engine block heater |
| Units affected | 2,403 |
| 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 vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Watch for coolant spots, loss of cabin heat, powertrain overheating, a low-coolant warning, odor, or smoke. Stop using the block heater until the vehicle is remedied, and call a Ford dealer for guidance. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, or 2024 Ford Explorer or Focus is included in this recall.
- Watch for Ford's final-remedy letter before scheduling the free block-heater replacement.
- Avoid plugging in the block heater until Ford completes the repair; the short-circuit fire risk is tied to using the heater.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to ask whether the final block-heater replacement is open for your VIN.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions, and reference recall number 26V012 and Ford recall 25SA4 when you call.
What happens at the repair
Until Ford opens the final repair, do not plug in the block heater. That is the interim safety step for affected Explorer and Focus vehicles. Once the repair is available, a Ford technician will replace the engine block heater covered by recall 26V012. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid for a related block heater repair before the recall notice, Ford's standard reimbursement plan covers documented out-of-pocket costs. Bring the repair invoice and payment records to the service desk.
| 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 26V012?
Recall 26V012 covers 2,403 Ford Explorer and Focus vehicles with an engine block heater that can crack, leak coolant, and short circuit when plugged in. Ford will replace the block heater free of charge at a franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do if my 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024 Ford Explorer or Focus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V012. If it is, do not plug in the engine block heater until Ford completes the repair. Contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference recall number 26V012 or Ford recall 25SA4.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford says dealers will replace the engine block heater free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from an electrical short circuit. Ford says the engine block heater can crack and leak coolant, then short circuit when the block heater is plugged in. Until the repair is complete, leave the block heater unplugged.
What if I bought the Ford Explorer or Focus used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Explorer or Focus is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and use recall number 26V012.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V012000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V012 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V012000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →