Ford Recall of 119,000 Vehicles Over Engine Heater Fire Risk, Affected Models and Your Legal Rights 2026

Ford has recalled over 119,000 Ford Focus and other select vehicles due to a critical engine block heater defect that poses a significant fire risk. If you own an affected model, your vehicle could catch fire even while parked and turned off if the heater is plugged in. This guide details which models are included, the NHTSA safety findings, and the steps you must take to secure a free repair or explore further legal compensation.

Which Ford Vehicles are Affected by the Engine Heater Recall?

The recall primarily targets vehicles equipped with a specific engine block heater element. As of January 2026, Ford has confirmed that approximately 119,000 vehicles are involved in this safety action.

The affected models include:

• 2012–2018 Ford Focus (select trim levels with engine block heaters).
• 2013–2015 Ford Transit Connect (equipped with specific engine configurations).

These vehicles were manufactured at various production dates where the engine block heater connector was found to be susceptible to water and salt contamination. If you are unsure if your specific trim level is included, you should perform a VIN check on the official NHTSA recall website.

The Specific Fire Risk: Why Was the Recall Issued?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Ford identified a defect where the engine block heater cable connector can become contaminated with road salt or moisture. This contamination can lead to a resistive short, causing the cable to overheat.

The specific fire risk is highest when the vehicle is stationary and the heater is plugged into an electrical outlet. Ford discovered the issue after receiving reports of localized fires under the hood. While Ford’s internal investigation is ongoing, the company issued the recall (NHTSA Recall Number 25V-910 [Placeholder for official ID]) to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards regarding fire prevention and electrical safety.

Current Status: Lawsuits and Compensation in 2026

As of January 30, 2026, the recall remedy is actively available at authorized Ford dealers. Beyond the free repair, some owners are investigating class action lawsuits and product liability claims, especially those whose vehicles suffered actual fire damage before the recall was announced.

Legal theories in these cases typically center on breach of implied warranty and negligence, alleging that Ford knew or should have known about the connector’s vulnerability to corrosion. If your vehicle was damaged, you may be eligible for compensation covering:

• Total vehicle replacement or fair market value.
• Property damage caused by a vehicle fire.
• Out-of-pocket expenses for rental cars during the repair period.

What You Must Know

How to Determine If Your Vehicle Is Affected

The most reliable way to verify your status is to use your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can find this on your vehicle’s dashboard (driver’s side) or your insurance card. Enter this number on the Ford Service & Recalls portal. If your vehicle is affected, the status will show “Recall Incomplete.”

The Fire Risk in Plain English

In simple terms, a “resistive short” means the electrical connection is struggling to pass current, which generates intense heat. This heat can melt the surrounding plastic and ignite nearby engine components. Because this happens while the car is plugged in, a fire can start in your garage or driveway while you are asleep.

Consumer Protection and Lemon Laws

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and various state Lemon Laws, manufacturers are required to fix safety defects within a reasonable number of attempts. Since this is a formal safety recall, the repair is mandated by federal law to be completely free of charge. If your dealer refuses to perform the repair or claims parts are unavailable for an unreasonable length of time, you may have grounds for a lemon law claim.

What to Do Next

Step 1: Unplug Your Engine Heater Immediately

Until your vehicle has been repaired, Ford and safety experts recommend that you do not plug in the engine block heater. This eliminates the primary source of the fire risk. You can still drive the vehicle normally; the danger is specifically tied to the electrical connection when the heater is in use.

Step 2: Schedule Your Free Repair

Contact your local authorized Ford dealer to schedule an appointment. The recall remedy involves an inspection of the heater cable and, if necessary, the installation of a new cable with a more robust, sealed connector that prevents water and salt intrusion.

Step 3: Document Everything

If you have already experienced smoking, melting, or fire related to the engine heater, document the damage with photos and save all repair receipts. This documentation is vital if you later choose to participate in a product liability lawsuit or seek reimbursement through Ford’s customer satisfaction programs.

FAQs

Which Ford vehicles are affected by the fire risk recall?

The recall primarily affects over 119,000 vehicles, specifically 2012–2018 Ford Focus and 2013–2015 Ford Transit Connect models equipped with factory engine block heaters.

What is the engine heater fire risk?

The risk is that road salt or moisture can get into the heater’s electrical connector, causing a short circuit that can lead to a fire while the vehicle is plugged in.

How do I check if my Ford is part of the recall?

Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls or the Ford owner website and enter your 17-digit VIN to see if your vehicle has an open recall.

What is the free remedy offered by Ford?

Ford dealers will inspect the block heater and cable. They will replace any damaged components and install a revised cable design to prevent future contamination, all at no cost to the owner.

Can I get a refund if I already paid for this repair?

Yes, Ford usually provides a reimbursement plan for owners who paid for repairs related to a defect before a formal recall was issued. You will need to provide original receipts to your dealer.

Are there lawsuits against Ford for this engine heater defect?

As of January 2026, several law firms are reviewing vehicle defect cases like happend in bmw-transfer-case-class-action for owners who suffered property damage or whose vehicles were not repaired in a timely manner.

Last Updated: January 30, 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you suspect your vehicle is unsafe, contact an authorized dealer immediately.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah