Large-Scale Recall of Ford and Lincoln Hybrid Vehicles
Ford has announced a new recall of over 20,000 hybrid vehicles, adding to the existing list of problematic vehicles. According to the manufacturer, this is already the second recall for these models recently.
Problem with High-Voltage Batteries
All affected vehicles are plug-in hybrids that have an issue with high-voltage battery cells. Specifically, an internal short circuit may occur in the battery cells.
Such a malfunction can completely stop the vehicle while driving, and in rare cases, cause battery thermal runaway. The recall covers Ford Escape models from 2020-2024 and Lincoln Corsair models from 2021-2024 with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
Previous Fix Proved Ineffective
The current recall, numbered 25V789, is essentially a continuation of the previous recall 24V954, which aimed to resolve battery issues through an update of the Battery Energy Control Module software. However, as the company reports, this update may not detect all battery cell anomalies, so a small percentage of vehicles require an additional update.
Safety Risks
The main problem remains the potential short circuit. Any cell that experiences such a short circuit can literally stop the vehicle while driving, which obviously increases the risk of an accident.
Simultaneously, a short circuit can trigger what Ford calls “thermal emission.” This is not the same as thermal runaway, but the two phenomena are closely related, with the latter being a type of event that is extremely difficult for firefighters to stop.
Current Status of Problem Resolution
It is worth noting that Ford reports that braking, steering, and lighting are not impaired in the event of a short circuit. The automaker is still working on a fix for the problem.
Until a final solution is found, the company recommends that owners limit the vehicle’s maximum state of charge and advises them to drive in “Auto EV” mode. Once the fix is ready, notifications will be sent to affected owners with instructions on how to obtain it.
Dealers learned about the problem yesterday, and owners should be notified around December 1st. For now, they can check their vehicle on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website using the VIN tool or call their local dealer to find out if their Escape or Corsair is included in the recall.
This situation demonstrates the complexity of modern hybrid systems and the importance of continuous monitoring of electric vehicle safety. Increased attention to battery technologies is particularly relevant given the growing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles. Automakers face new challenges in ensuring the long-term safety of complex electronic systems, which requires the development of more effective diagnostic methods and proactive identification of potential problems.