Overview
- Regulatory filings detail recalls covering 116,672 vehicles plus 2,403 additional units and 2,633 accessory heaters, while Canada added 332,410 vehicles for the same issue.
- Affected U.S. models include 2013–18 Focus, 2013–19 Escape, 2015–16 Lincoln MKC, and select 2016–18 Focus RS and 2019 and 2024 Explorer vehicles equipped with certain 2.0L heaters.
- Ford’s analysis found solder-joint cracks that let coolant reach electrical interfaces; evaporated coolant can leave conductive salt deposits that create a resistive short when the heater is plugged in.
- Owners are instructed not to plug in the heaters until repaired, and typical warning signs include coolant spots, loss of cabin heat, overheating, low coolant alerts, or odor and smoke.
- Ford reported 12 owner‑alleged fires with no injuries; dealers are under a delivery hold for affected in‑stock vehicles until repairs are completed.