Ford Recall 25V-685: Equipment – engine block heater

Affected: 2021–2024 Ford Bronco, 2021–2024 Ford Bronco Sport, 2020–2022 Ford Escape and 6 more. Filed with NHTSA on October 10, 2025, covering about 59,006 vehicles.

The problem

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

The risk

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

The fix

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign25V-685 (25V685000)
Manufacturer number25SA4
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
ComponentEquipment › Electrical › Engine block heater
Report dateOctober 10, 2025
Vehicles affected59,006
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the a/c & heater

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 25V-685 repair free?

Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and…

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 59,006 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.