Ford’s latest recall impacts plug-in-hybrid SUVs over a potential fire risk, according to Car and Driver.
The recall applies to 16,480 Escape and 4,004 Lincoln Corsair plug-in-hybrid SUVs equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Impacted vehicles were assembled between July 10, 2019, and April 17, 2024.
According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an error in manufacturing has resulted in potential microdefects and local stresses within the battery, causing the cell separator layer to get damaged. This chain of events will likely lead to a short circuit, and potentially a fire.
In vehicles where the problem is present, “Stop Safely Now” will appear on the instrument cluster, according to the automaker.
No accidents or injuries have yet been reported as a result of the problem, though Ford has received four reports of thermal venting being caused.
Owners will begin being notified on Jan. 20. Dealers have been instructed to update vehicles’ Battery Energy Control Module software. If a problem is detected after that, they will then replace the high-voltage battery pack.
