NHTSA recall 26V-012 (26V012000)
equipment recall reported January 15, 2026 - about 2,403 vehicles affected.
- NHTSA campaign number
- 26V012000
- Also written as
- 26V-012
- Manufacturer number
- 25SA4
- Reported
- January 15, 2026
- Vehicles affected
- ~2,403
- Component
- equipment
What is being recalled
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. 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 blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 26V-012 when calling a dealer.
Affected 2 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.