This Week's Recalls: Jan. 19-23, 2026
Key Highlights
- Ford recalls over 115,000 vehicles due to solder joint cracks in block heaters that can cause engine coolant leaks and potential fires.
- GM reopens a recall on nearly 600,000 vehicles with 6.2L V8 engines after reports of engine failure despite previous fixes.
- BMW recalls 851 vehicles for airbag inflator ruptures that could send shrapnel toward occupants, posing serious injury risks.
- Mercedes-Benz issues a recall for 169 EQB SUVs due to battery problems that could lead to vehicle fires, advising owners not to charge beyond 80%.
Ford
There are 65,683 Ford Escapes from the 2013–2019 model years, 49,080 Ford Focuses spanning from the 2013–2018 model years, and 1909 Lincoln MKC SUVs from the 2015 and 2016 model years being recalled.
This is due to solder joints in the block heater that can develop cracks that allow engine coolant to spill into the heater's cord. As the coolant evaporates, it can leave electrically conductive salt deposits behind, which build up over time and may result in a short circuit and potentially cause a fire.
Coolant spots on the pavement, as well as a loss of cabin heat, a low coolant level, or an overheating engine, could all serve as a prior warning to the engine block heater issue. Damage to the block heater's wiring could also result in smoke or an odor, which would similarly serve as warnings.
GM 6.2L V8
The NHTSA reopens a recall on nearly 600,000 GM vehicles after receiving complaints that a prior 6.2L V8 recall fix may not have prevented engine failure.
Affected models include those equipped with the L87 V8, such as:
- 2021-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2021-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2021-2024 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2021-2024 GMC Sierra
- 2021-2024 GMC Yukon
- 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade
- 2021-2024 Escalade ESV
BMW
BMW has recalled 851 vehicles because their airbag inflators could rupture, sending hot metal shrapnel flying toward occupants.
Recalled models include a small number of each of the:
- 2014-2015 BMW 2 Series
- 2014 BMW 3 Series
- 2015 BMW 4 Series
Mercedes-Benz
Mercdes-Benz has recalled 169 EQB SUVs from model years 2022 and 2023. This is due to a battery problem that could lead to a vehicle fire. Owners should not charge the batteries beyond 80% full until dealers have had the chance to complete repairs.
Mechanical damage to the battery or “electric current ripples in the charging infrastructure” could evenutally contribute to a fire in those batteries.