Ford Motor Co. plans to recall 20,484 hybrid crossover SUVs due to battery concerns that could lead to fires, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This was revealed in the document.
The recall affects 16,480 Escape and 4,004 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid SUVs from 2020 to 2024 model years.
in document The automaker said in a report to NHTSA that the problem occurs during manufacturing and that the resulting “micro-defects and localized stresses” can damage the separator layer of high-voltage battery cells, potentially leading to short circuits and fires. He said there is. The NHTSA filing details:
If an internal short circuit occurs in a high-voltage battery cell, customers may experience a shutdown of their vehicle's propulsion system. Loss of power increases the risk of collision and injury. Steering, brake and lighting functions are not affected.
If an internal short circuit occurs in a high-voltage battery cell, customers may experience battery heat release, which may cause a vehicle fire and increase the risk of injury.
Ford says if a problem occurs, a message will appear on the instrument panel telling you to safely stop now.
Dealers will implement software updates for the battery energy control module and, if necessary, replace high-voltage battery packs free of charge, the auto safety regulator said.
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According to the recall document, there have been a total of four reports of “heat release” due to the issue, but no accidents or injuries.
Owners of potentially affected Escape and Corsair SUVs are urged to check the NHTSA recall site or contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332.
Notification letters are expected to be mailed by January 20, 2025.
