Ford Recalls Over 100K Vehicles for Fire Risk
Ford is initiating a significant recall affecting over 100,000 vehicles due to a potential engine block heater malfunction that poses a fire risk. The affected vehicles include certain model years of the Ford Escape, Ford Focus, and Lincoln MKC.
Affected Vehicles and Engine Block Heaters
The recall, as detailed in recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) filings, encompasses 116,672 vehicles and an additional 2,633 engine block heaters. The vehicles included in this recall are:
- 2013-2019 Ford Escape
- 2013-2018 Ford Focus
- 2016 Lincoln MKC
The engine block heaters subject to recall were manufactured between October 7, 2011, and January 8, 2026. The specific part numbers involved are CV6Z-6A051-CA and CV6Z-6A051-AA.
The Potential Risk
The core of the issue lies with the engine block heater itself. It may develop a crack, leading to a coolant leak. If the vehicle's block heater is plugged in while this leak is present, the leaked coolant can cause a short circuit, significantly increasing the possibility of a vehicle fire.
Identifying a Problem
Drivers of affected vehicles might observe certain symptoms indicating a potential issue. These can include:
- Visible coolant stains on driveways or garage floors.
- A noticeable loss of heat within the vehicle's cabin.
- The engine overheating.
- Smoke emanating from the vehicle.
- A dashboard warning light indicating low coolant levels.
Ford has stated that there have been no reported accidents or injuries directly linked to this specific malfunction.
