Ford has announced it will recall 16,480 Escape and 4004 Lincoln Corsair plug-in-hybrid SUVs over a battery problem.
In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the automaker said the problem occurred in manufacturing, and resulting “microdefects and local stresses” could cause the high-voltage battery cell’s separator layer to become damaged, leading to a short circuit and potentially, a fire.
A “Stop Safely Now” message will appear on the instrument cluster if the problem occurs, Ford said.
The recall documents state that there have been four total reports of “thermal venting” as a result of the issue, but no accidents or injuries have been reported.
Affected vehicles are plug-in-hybrid models with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and were assembled between July 10, 2019, and April 17, 2024.
Ford will notify owners beginning on January 20.
Dealers will update the affected vehicles’ Battery Energy Control Module software so it can detect the problem, and if it is found, they will replace the high-voltage battery pack at no charge.
Owners of potentially affected Escape and Corsair SUVs can check the NHTSA recalls site or contact Ford customer service at 866–436–7332.
