Ford Remembers 116,672 Escape, Focus, and Lincoln MKC Fashions Over Block Heater Hearth Threat When Plugged In : Automotive Addicts

Automotive

In the event you stay in a cold-weather state, there’s a good probability you’ve gotten leaned on an engine block heater to make winter mornings rather less brutal. That timing is strictly why Ford’s newest recall is price listening to proper now. The difficulty facilities on sure Ford and Lincoln autos geared up with 2.0-liter engines and an engine block heater that may crack, leak coolant, and ultimately create the circumstances for {an electrical} brief. Within the worst case, that brief can result in an underhood hearth, however the important thing element is that the danger is tied to when the block heater is definitely plugged into family energy.

The recall spans roughly 117,000 to 119,000 autos within the U.S., relying on the precise submitting and mannequin combine. The core group consists of the 2013-2019 Ford Escape, the 2013-2018 Ford Focus, and the 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC, all of which may be discovered with the block heater setup in query. The underlying downside is surprisingly particular: cracks can type at solder joints contained in the heater, letting coolant seep the place it doesn’t belong. As that coolant evaporates, it will possibly go away behind conductive deposits that construct over time, and that buildup can ultimately set off a brief circuit. The priority is heightened if the heater is plugged right into a 110-volt outlet that lacks correct safety like a working circuit breaker or GFCI.

For house owners, the useful half is that the autos could supply clues earlier than issues escalate. Hold an eye fixed out for coolant spots on the driveway or storage ground, a sudden lack of cabin warmth, a low coolant warning, or an overheating scenario that appears to return out of nowhere. Ford additionally notes that if the wiring or connector will get heat-damaged, you may discover an odd odor and even see smoke. If any of that sounds acquainted, it’s sensible to cease utilizing the block heater instantly and get the car checked sooner quite than later. Even when every thing appears regular, the most secure play is to keep away from plugging within the block heater till the restore is accomplished.

Ford plans to inform house owners by mail in February, with treatment elements anticipated to roll out in April, at which level sellers will exchange the engine block heater without charge. Within the meantime, you can too get forward of the letter by checking your VIN via Ford’s recall lookup or the NHTSA database, particularly for those who purchased your car used and should not certain you might be on the suitable mailing checklist. In case your Escape, Focus, or MKC is a part of the affected inhabitants, deal with this one like a critical winter security merchandise: the entire level of a block heater is peace of thoughts on chilly begins, not a brand new motive to fret about what is going on beneath the hood.

Mike Floyd is a finance govt by commerce and a automobile fanatic at coronary heart. As a CFO with a eager eye for element and technique, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering recent insights and distinctive views that transcend the floor. His ardour for automobiles—particularly his favourite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, the place he blends a love for efficiency and design along with his skilled precision. Whether or not he’s breaking down business traits or spotlighting rising improvements, Mike helps hold the location each sharp and forward-thinking.