Transport Canada recalls more than 300,000 Ford vehicles over potential block heater short
Transport Canada says two recalls affect over 300,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles after an engine block heater can leak and short circuit, creating a fire risk.
Copy link
By Torontoer Staff
Transport Canada has issued two recalls covering more than 300,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles after regulators found engine block heaters can leak coolant and short circuit when plugged in, creating a fire risk. The notices were first published on Jan. 9 and later updated.
Ford will notify affected owners by mail and replace the block heater at no charge. In the meantime, Transport Canada advises owners not to use the engine block heater until repairs are completed.
Which models are affected
- Recall 1, certain 2.0 L engine models: Ford Escape (2013–2019), Ford Focus (2013–2018), Lincoln MKC (2015–2016)
- Recall 2, replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-554: Ford Bronco (2021–2024), Ford Bronco Sport (2021–2024), Ford Escape (2020–2022), Ford Explorer (2016–2024), Ford Focus (2016–2018), Ford Maverick (2022–2024), Ford Ranger (2019–2024), Lincoln Corsair (2020–2022), Lincoln MKC (2016–2019)
What the recall says
On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it’s plugged in.
Transport Canada recall notices
Both recall notices cite the same fault with the engine block heater. A leaking heater can allow coolant into electrical components, which can cause a short when the heater is connected to power. That short could in turn cause a fire.
What owners should do now
Stop using the engine block heater until the defect is fixed. If you rely on a block heater for winter starts, arrange alternative measures such as parking in a garage or using a battery maintainer, but do not plug in the block heater.
- Do not plug in the engine block heater.
- Check your vehicle identification number, VIN, with Ford or the Transport Canada recall database to confirm inclusion.
- Contact your local Ford or Lincoln dealer to schedule the free repair once you receive a recall notice.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-800-565-3673 or visit Ford’s recall page for details.
How Ford will handle repairs
Ford will replace the engine block heater at dealerships free of charge for affected vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail with instructions on how to book the repair. Dealers will confirm vehicle eligibility using the VIN and complete the replacement.
How to check if your vehicle is included
- Locate your VIN on the driver side dashboard or the vehicle registration.
- Enter the VIN in Ford’s recall lookup on the company website.
- Search the Transport Canada recall database for current notifications.
- Call Ford at 1-800-565-3673 for confirmation and next steps.
Why this matters in Canada
Block heaters are common in colder regions because they warm the engine for easier starts and reduced wear. A leaking heater creates a particular hazard: coolant is conductive, so if it reaches electrical components while the heater is powered, it can cause a short and raise the risk of fire. That combination of weather-related device use and potential electrical fault is why regulators issued the recall.
Dealers can complete the replacement relatively quickly, so owners should arrange the repair as soon as they receive Ford’s recall notice. Until then, avoid using the heater and keep the vehicle unplugged when parked.
For more information, visit Ford’s website or contact Ford customer service at 1-800-565-3673. You can also search the Transport Canada recall database for the notices and any future updates.
FordrecallTransport Canadavehicle safetyautos
