Ford’s two engine block heater recalls cover 119,075 potentially affected vehicles—rounded to 120,000—including certain Focus, Escape, Explorer and Lincoln MKC models. A cracked heater connection can let coolant reach electrical components and create a short-circuit fire risk. If your vehicle may be included, check its VIN and do not plug in the block heater until the recall repair is complete.
Which Ford and Lincoln vehicles are included?
The recalls involve two separate campaigns. The model-year ranges identify vehicles that may be included, not every vehicle in those ranges: eligibility depends on the vehicle identification number (VIN).
| NHTSA recall | Ford reference | Potentially affected vehicles | Campaign population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26V011 | 26S01 | 2013–2018 Ford Focus, 2013–2019 Ford Escape and 2015–2016 Lincoln MKC with 2.0L engines | 116,672 vehicles |
| 26V012 | 25SA4 | 2016–2018 Ford Focus, 2019 Ford Explorer and 2024 Ford Explorer | 2,403 vehicles |
The combined total is 119,075 potentially affected vehicles, calculated by adding the populations in Ford’s two 2026 filings; it is not a separately reported NHTSA total. The headline rounds that figure to 120,000. Ford estimated that 1% of the vehicles in each campaign had the defect. That is a manufacturer estimate, not a measured fire rate.
What is the engine fire risk?
In both campaigns, cracks in solder joints in the block heater may allow coolant to reach the heater-to-cord connection. Coolant residue can create conductive deposits or corrode the connection, forming an electrical path to ground. When the heater is energized, that path can cause a resistive short and increase the risk of an under-hood fire.
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- Ensure quick winter starts and reduce engine wear
- For Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, International/Navistar, John Deere. See Zerostart catalog for specific applications.
- 27mm Thread
- 6' (1.8m) cord included
- Volts: 120 | Watts: 1000 | Plug Type: 120 Volt, 15 Amp (Type A)
The filings say the risk is greater when the heater is plugged into a 110-volt supply without a functional circuit breaker or GFCI outlet. A GFCI outlet does not fix a defective heater or replace the recall repair.
Possible warning signs
- Coolant spots beneath the vehicle in a driveway or garage
- Loss of cabin heat, a low-coolant warning or engine overheating
- Heat damage to wiring or the heater connector
- An unusual odor or smoke
Ford’s filings list allegations and reports in different contexts, not a single confirmed count of fires. In the 26V011 filing, Ford reported 12 Escape 2.0L owners alleging fires as of December 3, 2025, and said it was not aware of accident or injury reports related to the condition. In the separate 26V012 filing, Ford reported 46 unique VINs alleging vehicle fires as of September 10, 2025. That total combined customer complaints, Transport Canada log claims and legal claims, with most incidents in Canada; Ford said it was not aware of accidents or injuries related to that condition.
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- Compatible Vehicle Models: This F7TZ-6A051-AA heater assembly is compatible with Ford Super Duty F150 F250 F350 F450 1995-2003, compatible with Ford other V8 7.3L vehicles for Pickup Trucks, for Vans, for Towtrucks all 1995-2003
- Replace Part Number & Product Specifications: Replaces F7TZ-6A051-AA. Working parameters 120V, 1000W. The heater features a 3/4" NPT connection port and a simplified structural design, offering effortless usability for your convenience
- Rapid Preheating: This heater adopts a unique heating design that directly contacts the diesel , which boosts heating efficiency, enables rapid preheating in low temperatures, and effectively solves the problem of difficult cold starts for your car
- Long-Lasting Material: This F7TZ-6A051-AA heating element is crafted from high thermal conductivity metal with a specialized surface finish, delivering exceptional aging resistance and wear resistance for reliable, long-term use
- Easy to Use: This F7TZ-6A051-AA heater assembly features a plug-and-play design for quick replacement of old parts, reducing vehicle maintenance time and costs. It is the ideal replacement component for your needs
Can you plug in the block heater?
No. NHTSA’s notices advise owners not to plug in the block heater until the vehicle is remedied. This is the interim instruction for both recalls; do not treat an outlet’s circuit breaker or GFCI protection as a substitute for following it.
How to check whether your vehicle is recalled
- Find the 17-character VIN. It is commonly visible through the windshield at the driver-side dashboard or on the vehicle’s registration and insurance documents.
- Search the VIN. Use NHTSA’s recall lookup, or contact Ford or a Ford or Lincoln dealer. A model and year match alone cannot confirm eligibility because vehicles were not produced in VIN order.
- Ask about both the campaign and the repair. Give the dealer your VIN and ask whether either engine block heater recall remains unrepaired and what remedy is currently available for your vehicle.
NHTSA says newly announced recalls may not appear for every VIN immediately because VIN records are added continuously. If a VIN search shows no open recall but your vehicle matches a listed model and year, confirm with Ford or a dealer.
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- 【Adaptable Model】Compatible with 1995-2002 model 8 Cylinder V8-7.3L Engines.
- 【Great Performance】Accelerate engine startup at cold weather conditions, enhance the engine' working efficiency and extend its service life.
- 【Product Feature】Volts: 120 | Watts: 1000 | Plug Type: 120 Volt | Heater size: 3/4" NPT
- 【Manufacturing Standards】Partslink Number : F7TZ-6A051-AA
- 【Easy Installation】Direct Bolt-on Replacement without Modification.
What repair will Ford provide?
The recall repairs are free. The filings describe campaign-specific options:
- 26V011 / 26S01: Ford’s detailed filing describes replacing the block heater with a newly designed heater when available.
- 26V012 / 25SA4: The filing describes either replacing the heater with a newly designed heater when available, or replacing the heater element with a threaded blanking plug and removing the cord from the engine compartment.
The notices listed owner notifications planned for April 2026. That planned date does not establish whether a letter was sent, whether parts are in stock or which repair a dealer currently offers. Ask Ford or your dealer about your VIN and repair availability. Ford customer service is listed at 1-866-436-7332; NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline is 1-888-327-4236.
Quick Recap
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- Ensure quick winter starts and reduce engine wear
- For Ford, Lincoln, Mercury. See Zero start catalog for specific applications.
- 1-1/2-Inch diameter
- 5. 8' (1. 8m) cord included
- Volts: 120 | Watts: 600 | Plug Type: 120 Volt, 15 Amp (Type A)
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- Precise Compatibility: Precision-engineered block heater assembly compatible with 1995-2003 Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 Super Duty, and E-250, E-350 Econoline for 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel engines.
- OEM Specification: Direct replacement for part number F7TZ-6A051-AA. Built to exact OEM standards with 1000W heating power and 120V voltage for optimal performance in cold climates.
- Enhanced Cold Starts: Pre-warms engine coolant to reduce friction and engine wear during ignition. Ensures smooth starting and faster cabin heat delivery even in sub-zero temperatures.
- Robust Construction: Features a heavy-duty heating element with a corrosion-resistant housing. Designed for long-term durability and reliable heat regulation in extreme winter environments.
- Secure Fitment: Features 3/4" NPT threads for a leak-free seal and direct screw-in installation. The assembly is tested for high-temperature resistance to maintain engine integrity.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
