Ford Recalls F-Series for Engine Block Heater Cable

Ford Motor Co. is recalling an estimated 327,000 2015 to 2019 F-150 and 2017 to 2019 Super Duty vehicles with engine block heaters that had been inspected in accordance with a previous recall, specifically 18S45, for possible fire risk.

During the inspection service procedure, the engine block heater cable splice connectors may have been inadvertently damaged. A damaged block heater cable can cause an inoperative engine block heater or tripping of household breakers or GFCI-equipped outlets or a resistive short. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of overheated or melted wiring and fire while the vehicle is parked and the block heater is plugged in.

Ford emphasizes that a safety hazard only exists when the vehicle is parked and the block heater cable is plugged into an electrical outlet. The manufacturer advises customers not to use the engine block heater cable.

To fix the problem, dealers will disable the vehicle's engine block heater cable by cutting off the plug end prongs and sealing the end cap with silicone sealant. Owners will be notified when engine block replacement cable is available.

The automaker is aware of one fire in the United States and one in Canada that may relate to this issue. Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries linked to this recall.

Affected vehicles include 2015 to 2019 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Truck Plant, March 18, 2014 to Nov. 17, 2018 and at Kansas City Assembly Plant, Aug. 21, 2014 to Nov. 17, 2018, as well as 2017 20 2019 Ford F-Series Super Duty vehicles built at Ohio Assembly Plant, Feb. 5, 2016 to Nov. 17, 2018 and at Kentucky Truck Plant, Oct. 8, 2015 to Nov. 17, 2018.

Ford's reference number for this recall is 19S11.