Ford has recalled 874,000 F-150 and Super Duty trucks, whose block heater cables are prone to short circuit and catch fire, potentially damaging the vehicle or worse.
Block heaters are an optional package, so only vehicles whose owners purchased the extra are affected. If your F-150 or Super Duty truck has block heaters, check the table below to see if the recall applies to you.
| Impacted models | Model year | Manufacturing plant | Period |
| F-150 | 2015 – 2019 | Dearborn’s Rogue | from Mar. 18, 2014 to Nov. 17, 2018 |
| F-150 | 2015 – 2019 | Kansas | from Aug. 21, 2014 to Nov. 17, 2018 |
| Super Duty | 2017 – 2019 | Ohio | From Feb. 5, 2016 to Nov. 17, 2018 |
| Super Duty | 2017 – 2019 | Kentucky | From Oct. 8, 2015 to Nov. 17, 2018 |
The problem stems due to corrosion of the block heater cables’ splice connectors. If water or other contaminants contact with the connectors, they can corrode over time. If the cables are plugged when that happens, they can short circuit and fail, while tripping the breakers of the electrical installation.
Occasionally, this may lead to a spark and fire and there have been three reports of the block heater cables igniting.
However, as the block heaters require the vehicle to be parked, so they can be plugged into the power grid, there is no possibility of an accident occurring while driving. There is virtually no concern for drivers’ safety.
During the recall, Ford technicians will inspect and replace damaged connectors and will apply dielectric grease to insulate the connectors from exposure to water and protect it against corrosion.