Ford Motor Company has issued a significant safety recall for more than 300,000 vehicles across Canada. The recall addresses an electrical defect in engine block heaters that could lead to a vehicle fire.
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The recall stems from a design flaw in the engine block heater. Transport Canada reports that coolant can leak into the electrical components of the heater. If a driver plugs the vehicle in while this leakage is present, a short circuit may occur, significantly increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Affected Models
The recall primarily impacts vehicles equipped with specific engine configurations (often the 2.0L variants) from the following model years:
- Ford Escape: 2013–2019
- Ford Focus: 2013–2018
- Lincoln MKC: 2015–2016
Safety Recommendations for Owners
Until the necessary repairs are completed, Ford and safety regulators have issued the following guidance:
- Stop Using Block Heaters: Owners are strongly advised not to plug their vehicles into an electrical outlet using the engine block heater cord.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Be alert for any burning smells or smoke coming from the front of the vehicle when it is stationary.
- Free Dealer Repair: Ford will contact affected owners via mail. Dealerships will inspect the heater and replace the unit or the cord assembly free of charge.
Context: A String of Recent Recalls
This announcement follows a series of other large-scale recalls for Ford over the last 12 months, including a 312,000-unit recall for brake booster issues in 2025 trucks and SUVs, and a 304,000-unit recall for unsecured rear seats in Ford Explorers.
