Engine block heater recall

[LaBalbe]

I've gotten a couple of text messages allegedly from the dealership that I use in NC for work that can't wait until I'm back in ON. I say allegedly, because the text area code is 325, which is central Texas, but that could just be the service that they're using. I'm skeptical, though, because they don't add any TSB details, recall #, etc.

Yesterday: "Hi ****, this is ***** Ford of *****. Your 2020 Ford Ranger may have an engine block heater that can crack and leak coolant, causing a short circuit when plugged in and increasing fire risk. It is really important to get this recall fixed and our team can do this for you at no charge. We have limited availability over the next few weeks, when are you available for an appointment? You can text me back."

Today: "Hi ****! ***** Ford of ***** is ready to help you with the open safety recall on your 2020 Ranger. When can we schedule you?" They appear to have linked something to "2020 Ranger" in this one, but I'm not risking checking it out.

Is this just a phishing scam or is there legitimacy to it? If it's legitimate, does anyone have more specific details that I can refer to when I call up my dealership here in ON? I'll probably end up calling the NC dealership tomorrow to see if this is legit or not, so I'll update that as well, but if anyone knows of anything with regards to this, I'd rather be a little more informed when I make that call.

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[Frenchy]

Yes the recall is legitimate. That said you should reach out to them by phone at least. If you are nowhere nearby, then I would tell them that it will have to wait. If there is another dealer nearby, then I would schedule with them if they have time to get it done.

 

[LaBalbe]

Yes the recall is legitimate. That said you should reach out to them by phone at least. If you are nowhere nearby, then I would tell them that it will have to wait. If there is another dealer nearby, then I would schedule with them if they have time to get it done.

Thanks. Do you happen to know the recall number? I'm about 1000 miles away from the NC dealership that sent me the text, so I'll have to see if this recall is valid for Canada, too.

 

[Frenchy]

Unfortunately I don't know off the top of my head. That said if you speak to a dealer in Canada and give them your VIN, they can tell you the Recall Number and whether or not it's still able to be covered up there or not. I stayed the last part because most vehicles don't get to keep the factory warranty when they go out of the country they originally are sold in

 

[airline tech]

The reason for the (Push) is they revised the Recall to:
Remove the Block Heater and Install a (Threaded Plug) and remove the (Power Feed) Harness and stow it withing the truck, then when the (REVISED) Block heater becomes available remove the threaded plug and install the revised block heater and (Re-Use) the (Power Feed) Harness.

Initially the Recall was a (Information) only - Do not plug in the Block Heater, short and or fire hazard risk - now they have elevated it - for SAFTEY REASONS and eliminate all chances of someone using it or even plugging into a dead-end plug.

Attached is the Revised Recall Notice

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

It’s real - the first round was a notice with instructions to not use the block heater because of the risk of a leak, resulting in shorting and a vehicle fire. They also promised to follow up when the remedy was determined.

It seems they don’t have the replacement block heater yet but since the block heater could still crack and leak coolant (no risk of fire but still not good), they’ve put together this 2-step recall.

I would think the recall could be performed here or in NC, similar to warranty work.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

So we live in Michigan but were vacationing in Florida when I got some touch up paint for our 2022 Escape. I used some of our Ford Pass points to buy it. The dealer in Florida required the VIN to set us up as a customer in their system. Ever since then we’ve been getting duplicate identical Ford Pass alerts and emails from both the dealer in Florida and our dealer in Michigan. All this to say that I believe once your VIN is in a dealer’s system you become part of an automated notification process.

 

[Joe_seph]

This is valid in Canada. I received a letter in the mail in Dec 2025. The letter told me not to use the block heater and Ford will contact me when parts become available.

 

[rozebud]

I got the same recall notice Dec.2/25 the local ford dealer here told me parts would not be available until after April and not to use the block heater at all. hopfully when I get my next oil change in May they will have the new part.

 

[LaBalbe]

Thanks all for your replies. I spoke with both the dealership in NC and my "home" one here in ON.

The recall # is 25SA4 and seems to be valid for both the US and Canada. As others have noted, at this time parts are not always available. According to the ON dealership, the necessary parts are supposed to become available either in Q1 or Q2 of this year; a nice, short 6-month window of "hurry up and wait ✋️"

I guess the NC dealership already got the parts, but the ON one has not. Too bad they didn't get them a few weeks earlier, and I could have gotten it done over the holidays, but I'm not about to drive 1000+ miles just to get this done a little earlier.

 

[got3fords]

So we live in Michigan but were vacationing in Florida when I got some touch up paint for our 2022 Escape. I used some of our Ford Pass points to buy it. The dealer in Florida required the VIN to set us up as a customer in their system. Ever since then we’ve been getting duplicate identical Ford Pass alerts and emails from both the dealer in Florida and our dealer in Michigan. All this to say that I believe once your VIN is in a dealer’s system you become part of an automated notification process.

I took my truck in to a dealer on the other side of the Blue Ridge once to get a tire plugged, which they didn't because of it's location in the tread. Ever since then I get their mailings and the ones from I where I bought it on this side of the mountain. BTW, my dealer did plug it and it's been fine.

 

[Ranger Mel]

I first saw the recall in the Pass app. Just waiting! The wife's '15 Explorer Sport has a rear camera recall when parts are available, too.

 

[Zeus2003]

Hey. I have an appointment on Tuesday to get the recall done. Im no mechanic so I was wondering If they have to drain and refill the coolant? I read that if they do the temp fix where they pull it out and put a plug in place till the new block heater is installed then they drain and fill. But if they are doing the recall do they have to pull everything and drain. Or is the recall just a part that doesn't require a drain. And if they do drain im assume they would replace with new and not reuse the old coolant.
Im asking because im at 170,000 KM and at the point of needing a coolant drain and fill. Thanks

 

[AzScorpion]

Hey. I have an appointment on Tuesday to get the recall done. Im no mechanic so I was wondering If they have to drain and refill the coolant? I read that if they do the temp fix where they pull it out and put a plug in place till the new block heater is installed then they drain and fill. But if they are doing the recall do they have to pull everything and drain. Or is the recall just a part that doesn't require a drain. And if they do drain im assume they would replace with new and not reuse the old coolant.
Im asking because im at 170,000 KM and at the point of needing a coolant drain and fill. Thanks

Joe, I merged this with the one @LaBalbe started so you'll be able to get a better answer.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Hey. I have an appointment on Tuesday to get the recall done. Im no mechanic so I was wondering If they have to drain and refill the coolant? I read that if they do the temp fix where they pull it out and put a plug in place till the new block heater is installed then they drain and fill. But if they are doing the recall do they have to pull everything and drain. Or is the recall just a part that doesn't require a drain. And if they do drain im assume they would replace with new and not reuse the old coolant.
Im asking because im at 170,000 KM and at the point of needing a coolant drain and fill. Thanks

Count on it being a top up but the dealer might give you a break on a drain and fill since they’re doing part of it, kinda - sorta.

I got my notice/update as well for the temporary plug fix until the real fix can be done, which I’m thinking will be NEVER. I can’t give up my truck for very long unless it’s urgent so I’m not doing the temporary step and will monitor for leaks until the fix is in place.

Has anybody heard from Ford if failure of the block heater resulting in the leak is from actually using the block heater or if it’s just simply a poorly sealed part that can’t handle the heat and pressure of the coolant in the block?

If it’s from using the block heater, my garage-kept Ranger has nothing to worry about.

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