Ford has announced it is recalling just over 874,000 F-Series pickup trucks due to a risk of fire in models equipped with a block heater.
The recall affects models in the United States and in Canada, and concerns 2015-to-2019 F-150 models as well as 2017-to-2019 F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 models.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. equivalent of Transport Canada, has published on its website a Ford statement that explains that water and other contaminants can leak into the block heater’s cables and cause corrosion. This creates a risk of short-circuiting, potentially leading to a fire.
Ford has received three reports of fires in Canada, though none in the United States; minor damage was reported in one of the case. Ford has not received any reports of injuries arising from the problem.
The recall campaign takes effect on January 7. Dealerships will inspect the water-tightness of the cable and repair it as needed, or else replace the block heater if deemed necessary.
The recall affects all F-Series models for the years listed, but particularly the F-150, the best-selling vehicle in North America.
