Dearborn, MI – July 23, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 14,452 2019-2020 Fusion Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) because of a problem with the vehicle’s battery which may result in a stall or the engine catching fire. Both issues raise the risk of a crash and injuries for everyone involved.
The recall comes on the back of multiple fires and warranty claims.
Recall summary
The battery energy control module (BECM) is a computer that ensures that the battery remains properly charged and functions properly. The BECM is protected by the current interrupt device (CID) whose role is “to interrupt the power supply when the charging current is too high.”
In the affected vehicles, the CID may be activated erroneously, which can result in the vehicle stalling or catching fire.
Recall risks
The risks of a stall are described in the following article, while the risks of a car catching on fire can be found in this article about a related Hyundai recall.
Car exploding in the parking lot
Leading up to the recall, the manufacturer received seven reports about the cars involved catching fire – including one that seemingly randomly “exploded in a residential parking lot.”
Over 250 warranty claims have also been filed but luckily, no injuries or accidents have been reported.
Safety tips
Affected owners are advised to not charge the vehicle’s battery until the vehicles have been repaired.
Even though the manufacturer does not explicitly state this, owners of cars involved in similar recalls are also usually advised to park away from structures while waiting for a repair.
Warning signs
Users may notice a “Stop safely now” message on the dashboard, just before the vehicle loses power.
Other Ford recalls
In March 2023, older model-years of Ford Fusion were part of a 1.28 million-vehicle recall over brake issues. The recall was conducted on the back of a U.S. government investigation.
Last month, Ford also recalled 16,375 2022–2023 F-150 Lightning battery electric vehicles (BEVs) because of faulty rear lights, as reported.
The repair
The remedy is currently under development. Ford will advise drivers once it has been found. All repairs will be provided free of charge as it is customarily done in all recalls.
Is your vehicle a part of this recall?
More than 14,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford battery recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
