Mechanic Notes

2016 Ford Explorer Engine Block Heater recall 25V685000

Safety recall

Component: Equipment:Electrical:Engine Block Heater · Campaign 25V685000 · Reported 10/10/2025

Symptoms / what can happen

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

Cause

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 fix, in plain English

Safety recall work is done free by a franchised dealer. Official remedy: 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 September 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.

Difficulty

Not DIY: recall remedies are performed by a franchised dealer.

Cost

Free to the owner at a dealer while the recall applies. Outside the recall, costs vary; get a written quote.

Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)

AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto

Sources

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