Ford engine recalls: block heater, junction box and engine-bay fires
⚠ 2 carry a park-outside (fire risk) advisory.
Fire is the thread running through Ford's engine recalls. Block heater cables on 2015-2019 F-150 and 2017-2019 Super Duty trucks let in water and short — recalled twice, because the first repair left some heaters usable. The 2.5L hybrid engines in 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair and 2022-2023 Maverick can release oil and fuel vapor into the engine bay after an engine failure, and that campaign also needed a second round for vehicles repaired incorrectly. Battery junction boxes cause engine fires in 2020 and 2021 Expedition and Navigator. Add Bronco engine harness chafing, 2023-2025 Escape cylinder head ball plugs, a 2018 F-150 machining miss, loose Explorer and Aviator motor mount fasteners, and overheating E-Series engine covers.
Warning signs to watch for
- Unexpected engine noises or knocking
- An unexpected reduction in engine power, or a stall
- Smoke from the engine compartment, or an oil or burning smell
- In 2021 E-350 and E-450 vans, an engine cover hot enough to burn the driver or front passenger on contact
- For the block heater recalls, the fire starts while the vehicle is parked and plugged in, so there may be no warning while driving
Is it safe to keep driving?
Two recalls come with a parking instruction: 2020 and 2021 Expedition and Navigator owners are told to park outside, away from buildings and other vehicles, because the fire can start with the ignition off. Driving is not banned. For the block heater recalls, stop plugging the heater in. For the 2.5L hybrid engines and the Police Interceptor Explorers, Ford says park and shut the engine off as quickly as possible if you hear unexpected noises, lose power, or see smoke. The 2018 F-150 3.5L trucks were transported to dealers rather than driven.
What the free repair involves
Dealers first disable and later replace the block heater cable, inspect and replace the battery junction box and remove a ground wire, update powertrain control module software, replace engine long-blocks or the cylinder head assembly, replace the right-hand motor mount fasteners, install sheathing over Bronco engine compartment wiring, and fit engine cover insulation patches or a heat-management calibration on E-Series vans. Every repair is free.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 9 |
| high | 2 |
| medium | 2 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-20 | Ford Bronco engine wiring can short and cause fire | critical |
| 2025-11-17 | Ford E-350 and E-450 engine cover gets too hot | medium |
| 2025-09-19 | Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator fuse box fire risk · park outside | critical |
| 2025-06-03 | Ford Escape and Bronco Sport oil leak and fire risk | critical |
| 2025-05-23 | Ford Escape and Maverick hybrids: bad repair leaves fire risk | critical |
| 2024-08-10 | Ford Explorer Police Interceptor engine fire risk | critical |
| 2023-05-26 | Ford Escape, Maverick and Corsair hybrid engines can catch fire | critical |
| 2022-05-17 | Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator engine compartment fire risk · park outside | critical |
| 2020-12-17 | Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator may lose power | high |
| 2020-12-17 | Ford E-350 and E-450 hot engine cover burn risk | medium |
| 2019-04-08 | Ford F-150 and Super Duty block heater cord fire risk | critical |
| 2018-12-18 | Ford F-150 and Super Duty: Block Heater Fire Risk | critical |
| 2017-10-23 | Ford F-150 engines may lack oil holes and fail | high |
Common questions
Can I plug in my block heater this winter?
No. On the F-150 and Super Duty trucks, water and contaminants get into the cable's splice connector and it can short and start a fire. Dealers first disable the heater, then replace the cable once replacement parts become available.
My Escape hybrid already had recall 23V380 done. Why another letter?
Because some vehicles were repaired incorrectly the first time. Ford reopened the campaign in 2025 for 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair and 2022-2023 Maverick that got the wrong repair, and dealers now update the powertrain control module software, free.
What does "park outside" actually mean for my Expedition or Navigator?
Park it away from your house, garage, carport and other vehicles, because the battery junction box can start a fire while parked with the ignition off. You may keep driving it, but leave it outdoors until the junction box is inspected.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.