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116,000-Plus Fords, Lincolns Recalled for Fire Risk

ford escape 2017 01 angle dynamic exterior front rear white jpg
2017 Ford Escape | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry

Ford is recalling more than 116,600 Ford and Lincoln vehicles over an issue with the engine block heater that increases the risk of a fire. (Lincoln is Ford’s luxury arm.)

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Affected Ford vehicles include model-year 2013-18 Focus cars and model-year 2013-19 Escape SUVs; affected Lincolns include model-year 2015-16 MKC SUVs. All vehicles involved in the recall are equipped with a 2.0-liter engine. In these vehicles, the engine block heater may overheat and develop a coolant leak, causing a short circuit when plugged in. A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Ford is advising owners not to plug the block heater in until the remedy is performed; dealers will replace the block heater for free. Interim letters notifying owners of the issue are expected to be mailed Feb. 13; a second letter will be sent out once a remedy is available, which Ford expects to be sometime in April. Those with further questions can contact the automaker at 866-436-7332 (Ford’s number for this recall is 26S01), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, or visit its website to check your vehicle identification number and learn more.

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I copy edit Cars.com’s Editorial content and write up news on the latest major recalls from various automakers. I accepted a role in the automotive industry in 2018 and grew passionate about cars and car shopping, particularly helping consumers find the best vehicle for their needs. In 2021, I joined Cars.com’s Editorial team and became a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. I live in the suburbs of Chicago with my husband and pickup-truck-obsessed toddler, and when I’m not marking up stories, you can find me searching for my next favorite restaurant. My first car was a 1999 Mitsubishi Mirage, and I currently drive a 2018 Honda CR-V.

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