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Ford F-150 Recall 20V098: Engine Block Heater May Overheat and Cause a Fire

NHTSA campaign 20V098, reported February 21, 2020, 13,854 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain 2015-2016 Ford F-150 pickups with 3.5L GTDI engines may have a block immersion heater that was moved from its original location. In that incorrect position, the heater can sit too close to hot engine components, which may damage its electrical cable.

A damaged cable can create a resistive short, which can overheat or melt nearby wiring and increase the risk of a fire. Owners should take this recall seriously.

Dealers will inspect the block heater's location and cable and replace parts as needed, at no cost to you. If replacement parts are not yet available, the dealer will disable the existing block heater cable until they are. To check whether your truck is included, verify your VIN for open recalls, or contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 (Ford recall number 20S08).

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 20V098Ford Motor Company
Component
ENGINE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2016 F-150 pick-up trucks equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines and block immersion heaters that were potentially relocated from their originally installed location. The incorrect location could put the heater too close to hot engine components, possibly resulting in a damaged cable.
Risk
A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the block heater's location and its cable, replacing components as necessary, free of charge. If the replacement parts are not available, dealers will disable the existing block heater cable from being used until parts become available. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S08.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Ford F-15020152016