Some drivers rely on a tiny, practically invisible system, the engine block burner, during the harshest seasons in the United States.
Its purpose is straightforward, but crucially, it prevents the steel components from getting damaged and the fuel from thickening when the oil is first pressed into sub-zero temperatures. Nonetheless, that similar element has now been the subject of a security update involving more than 116, 000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
Ford Motor Company's second major recall of the year occurred at the beginning of 2026, which recognized a technical issue with potentially severe outcomes along with its luxury brand. When a car is connected to the local electrical grid, the defect, which is found in common versions of both brands, can cause short circuits and, in some cases, ignite in some cases. Millions of individuals live in areas where winter temperatures make it necessary to use these types of supplementary electrical heating systems for weeks or even months at once. A little element with a significant danger. The issue is related to the engine block heater, an electrical accessory installed to keep the vehicle's engine at a minimum when parked in extremely cold conditions, according to regulatory reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ). According to interior Ford investigations, some heater's inside solder joints can crack over time. This degradation makes it possible for website coolant to enter the electrical system. As the refrigerant evaporates, it leaves a very sensitive residue that makes little circuits easier. The car poses the greatest risk when it is plugged into a typical 110-volt outlet, especially if it lacks ground fault circuit interrupter ( GFCI) protection. In this situation, the blend of power, conducting particles, and moisture can result in sparks, overheating, and even fireplace. Authorities made it clear that the danger only exists when the boiler is plugged in, which explains why this is particularly prevalent in wintertime. Exact 116, 672 cars were produced in different times and were distributed as follows. Additionally, there are two additional 633 prevent heaters that were individually sold as authorized replacement parts or accessories. These parts, which were produced between 2011 and 2026, relate to part figures CV6Z-6A051-CA and CV6Z-6A051-AA, which expand the potential impact of the issue to vehicles that may have received the part after its initial production. The recall is mainly focused on the state of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Colorado, and North Dakota, which have the engine block heaters frequently used throughout the year. New data indicates that nearly 80 % of the US population currently resides in regions with severe winter conditions, which makes the notice even more pertinent. Warning Signals Not to Be Ignored: Ford and the NHTSA have identified a number of first symptoms that may point to a malfunctioning engine block boiler. These warning signs are directly related to the professional flaw that caused the recall, even though they do not assure that a fire may occur. Early detection of them can help to avoid costly car accidents or even worse-case accidents.
Reports of situations and urgent actions
Ford has so far confirmed at least 12 reports of burns linked to the issue, all of which were in Ford Escape vehicles powered by a 2. 0-liter website.
Although significant property damage and severe damage to many cars have been reported, officials said that no injuries or accidents have been caused by these incidents. unreported.
In this circumstance, the standard advice is to wait until the car has been inspected and repaired by an approved dealer before using the engine block burner.
Beginning in February, the business will start mailing users affected owners official notices. The part is completely to be replaced by an updated version, which is anticipated to be made available in April. Users can also check whether their vehicle is a part of the recall by calling Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332, referencing campaign number 26S01. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN ) in the NHTSA public database. which expands the scope of the issue's possible effects to vehicles that may have received the part after its initial release. The recall is generally focused on the state of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Colorado, and North Dakota, which have the engine block heaters frequently used throughout the year. New data indicates that nearly 80 % of the US population currently resides in regions with severe winter conditions, which makes the notice even more pertinent. Warning Signals Not to Be Ignored: Ford and the NHTSA have identified a number of first symptoms that may point to a malfunctioning engine block heater. These warning signs are directly related to the professional flaw that caused the recall, even though they do not assure that a fire may occur. Early detection of them can help to avoid costly car accidents or even worse-case accidents.
Reports of situations and urgent actions
Ford has so far confirmed at least 12 reports of burns linked to the issue, all of which were in Ford Escape vehicles powered by a 2. 0-liter website.
Although significant property damage and severe damage to many cars have been reported, officials said that no injuries or accidents have been caused by these incidents. unreported.
In this circumstance, the standard advice is to wait until the car has been inspected and repaired by an approved dealer before using the engine block burner.
Beginning in February, the business will start mailing users affected owners official notices. The part is completely to be replaced by an updated version, which is anticipated to be made available in April. Users can also check whether their vehicle is a part of the recall by calling Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332, referencing campaign number 26S01. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN ) in the NHTSA public database. which expands the scope of the issue's possible effects to vehicles that may have received the part after its initial release. The recall is generally focused on the state of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Colorado, and North Dakota, which have the engine block heaters frequently used throughout the year. New data indicates that nearly 80 % of the US population currently resides in regions with severe winter conditions, which makes the notice even more pertinent. Warning Signals Not to Be Ignored: Ford and the NHTSA have identified a number of first symptoms that may point to a malfunctioning engine block heater. These warning signs are directly related to the professional flaw that caused the recall, even though they do not assure that a fire may occur. Early detection of them can help to avoid costly car accidents or even worse-case accidents.
Reports of situations and urgent actions
Ford has so far confirmed at least 12 reports of burns linked to the issue, all of which were in Ford Escape vehicles powered by a 2. 0-liter website.
Although significant property damage and severe damage to many cars have been reported, officials said that no injuries or accidents have been caused by these incidents. unreported.
In this circumstance, the standard advice is to wait until the car has been inspected and repaired by an approved dealer before using the engine block burner.
Beginning in February, the business will start mailing users affected owners official notices. The portion is completely to be replaced by an updated version, which is anticipated to be made available in April. Users can also check whether their vehicle is a part of the recall by calling Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332, referencing campaign number 26S01. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN ) in the NHTSA public database. Ford has confirmed at least 12 studies of burns linked to the issue, all of which were in Ford Escape vehicles fitted with 2. 0-liter engines.
Although significant property damage and severe damage to many cars have been reported, officials said that no injuries or accidents have been caused by these incidents.
In this circumstance, the standard advice is to wait until the car has been inspected and repaired by an approved dealer before using the engine block burner.
Beginning in February, the business will start mailing owners affected owners official notices. The portion is completely to be replaced by an updated version, which is anticipated to be made available in April. Users can also check whether their vehicle is a part of the recall by calling Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332, referencing campaign number 26S01. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN ) in the NHTSA public database. Ford has confirmed at least 12 studies of burns linked to the issue, all of which were in Ford Escape vehicles fitted with 2. 0-liter engines.
Although significant property damage and severe damage to many cars have been reported, officials said that no injuries or accidents have been caused by these incidents.
In this circumstance, the standard advice is to wait until the car has been inspected and repaired by an approved dealer before using the engine block burner.
Beginning in February, the business will start mailing users affected owners official notices. The portion is completely to be replaced by an updated version, which is anticipated to be made available in April. Users can also check whether their vehicle is a part of the recall by calling Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332, referencing campaign number 26S01. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN ) in the NHTSA public database.
