Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners have been warned not to plug in certain engine block heaters due to the risk of underhood fires. Cracks in the engine block heaters allow coolant to leak onto the block to cord heater interface, leave behind salt deposits and cause resistive short circuits.
This safety alert – Ford’s 120th recall this year – comes after 46 reported incidents of vehicle fires due to engine block heaters, which many vehicle owners in colder climates rely on to prevent their engines from freezing.
This recall, identified as Ford Recall 25SA4 or NHTSA 25V-685, does not have a repair available yet. However, Ford will send interim notices by the end of October and anticipates the remedy will be available in February 2026.
Which Ford and Lincoln vehicles are included?
The Ford engine block heater recall includes the following vehicles:
- 2016–2019 Lincoln MKC
- 2016–2018, 2020–2023 Ford Explorer
- 2019–2020 Ford Fusion
- 2019–2024 Ford Ranger
- 2020–2022 Lincoln Corsair
- 2020–2022 Ford Escape
- 2021–2024 Ford Bronco
- 2021–2024 Ford Bronco Sport
- 2022–2024 Ford Maverick
Affected Vehicle Parts And What To Do
- Vehicle Parts: Engine block heaters GJ7T-6A051-AA and GJ7T-6A051-BA
- Instructions: Do not plug in these engine block heaters until you can get them replaced, as these parts create a risk of underhood fires.
- Recall Remedy: Ford and Lincoln dealers will replace the faulty components with newly-designed engine block heaters once they are available.
- Notice: Interim recall notices will be mailed October 24, 2025. Ford predicts the remedy will be ready in February 2026, and will send follow-up notices between February 2 and February 6, 2026.
A Quick Overview Of Ford’s Engine Block Heater Recall
- NHTSA ID: 25V685000
- Ford Recall Number: 25SA4
- Vehicle Population: 59,006
- Component: Engine block heaters GJ7T-6A051-AA and GJ7T-6A051-BA
- Safety Defect: Solder joints may develop cracks around the element base, allowing coolant to leak through the element pins and infiltrate the block heater to cord interface. Evaporated coolant leaves behind electrically conductive salt deposits. Accumulation of salt deposits may create an electrical path to the ground and cause a resistive short circuit, leading to a vehicle fire.
- Safety Risk: The risk of fires increases when block heaters are plugged into the 110-volt electrical supply without a functional circuit breaker or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) power outlet.
- Warning Signs: Coolant spots on the driveway or garage floor, loss of cabin heat, overheating power train, an indicator for low coolant levels is on, and smoke or odor from heat damage to the engine block heater electrical wiring and connector.
Is My Vehicle Included In This Recall?
You can check if your Ford or Lincoln vehicle is included in this recall through the following directories:
- NHTSA’s Recall Search Tool: Type your Vehicle Identification Number or State License Plate number to find any open recalls on your vehicle.
- Ford Recall Information or Lincoln Recalls: Ford and Lincoln each offer individual recall search tools. Use your VIN to discover any open recalls your vehicle may have.
If your vehicle is included in an open recall, locate your nearest Ford dealership or Lincoln dealership to schedule a repair service appointment.
Ford Recall Contact Information
Ford’s customer service can be reached at 1-866-436-7332.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following safety hotline: 888-327-4236.
Until repairs are available under recall, affected Ford and Lincoln owners are advised not to plug in their engine block heaters.
References
- (2025, October 10). Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=25V685000
- (2025, October 10). Part 573 Safety Recall Report 25V685. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V685-7473.pdf
