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.

Ford is recalling its F-150 (shown) and Super Duty pickups for an electrical issue involving the engine block heaters tied to an earlier recall.
Photo courtesy of Ford.
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.
More Safety

IIHS Crash Avoidance Tests Reveal Safety Gaps in Cargo Vans and Work Trucks
New crash-avoidance ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveal inconsistent performance among commercial vehicles, with several popular cargo vans and heavy-duty pickups struggling to avoid collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
Read More →
What’s Next for Fleet? Safety, AI & Industry Recognition | AF News Recap
Could your company's culture be encouraging distracted driving? This week, we're exploring how workplace expectations affect driver safety, what AI, EVs, and autonomous vehicles could mean for the future of fleet management, and how fleet professionals can strengthen their award nominations.
Read More →
Does Your Fleet's Culture Encourage Distracted Driving?
What happens when the people responsible for enforcing safety rules are the ones setting the wrong example? The answer may reveal why some of the biggest risks to fleet drivers have little to do with what's written in the employee handbook.
Read More →
Fleet Manager’s Ultimate Playbook: Navigating the New Standard in OEM Connectivity
Rising operating costs, driver safety concerns, and unplanned downtime are putting unprecedented pressure on modern fleets. Discover how fleet managers use embedded OEM connectivity and real-time vehicle data to cut TCO, prevent downtime, and protect drivers without aftermarket telematics hardware.
Read More →
From Driver Well-Being to EV Charging | AF News Recap
Mental health belongs in the fleet safety conversation. This week, we’re looking at five ways fleets can support employee well-being before a crisis, plus Holman’s expansion in Mexico, new one-day Fleet Forward passes, and why EV charging demand is outpacing infrastructure growth.
Read More →
Nexar-Nauto Merger Aims to Give Fleets Better Safety Intelligence Through Larger Driving Dataset
Stefan Heck tells Automotive Fleet that combining more than 10 billion miles of driving history with Nexar's AI models will give fleets deeper insights into driver risk and roadway conditions than either company could provide independently.
Read More →
Don't Wait for a Crisis: 5 Ways to Build Mental Health Into Your Fleet Safety Program
For Suicide Prevention Month, fleet and safety leaders have an opportunity to put mental health where it belongs: at the center of workplace safety.
Read More →
How Camera Data Can Strengthen a Fleet’s Insurance Renewal
Insights from a commercial insurance carrier and a broker show how fleets can turn video telematic data, driver coaching, and improved claims results into a stronger case at insurance renewal.
Read More →
The Safest Fleets Aren’t the Ones with the Most Technology
You’ve made the telematics investment. Here’s how to capture the other half of its value and build the safest fleet on the road.
Read More →
Hidden in Plain Sight: Fleet Compliance Risks
Fleet compliance isn't just about having policies — it's about consistently enforcing them. This practical guide reveals six hidden compliance risks common in public sector and shared fleet operations and outlines proven strategies to improve visibility, accountability, and audit readiness
Read More →