NHTSA recall 26V-011 (26V011000)
equipment recall reported January 15, 2026 - about 116,672 vehicles affected.
- NHTSA campaign number
- 26V011000
- Also written as
- 26V-011
- Manufacturer number
- 26S01
- Reported
- January 15, 2026
- Vehicles affected
- ~116,672
- Component
- equipment
What is being recalled
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Why it is dangerous
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix (free at any franchised dealer)
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 26V-011 when calling a dealer.
Affected 3 models
Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.
Source: NHTSA recall campaign data (public domain), refreshed weekly. See also the latest recall campaigns.