Ford Australia has issued a new recall for its Escape Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), citing a significant fire risk linked to defective battery cell modules. This recall follows earlier fire-related issues reported in 2023 and earlier this year, raising concerns about the vehicle’s long-term safety.
Defective Battery Cells
The recall notice states that a manufacturing defect within the high-voltage battery cells can trigger internal short circuits. These shorts pose two immediate dangers: first, sudden loss of power while driving, and second, thermal venting leading to a vehicle fire, particularly during charging. Ford’s instructions to owners are blunt: do not charge above 80% capacity, and only operate the vehicle in Auto EV mode until the issue is resolved.
Risk Assessment
A short circuit in the battery carries severe consequences, including potential injury or death to occupants, bystanders, and property damage. The recall affects 477 vehicles manufactured between 2019 and 2023, with a detailed Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list available for verification. The company will contact affected owners directly to schedule free repairs.
Ford’s Response
Ford Australia urges owners to contact them at 133 673 or visit a local dealer for additional assistance. This is the latest in a series of recalls for the Escape PHEV, suggesting underlying quality control issues. The company has not yet commented on the root cause of the recurring defects, but industry experts suspect a supply chain problem with the battery modules.
This recall underscores the critical need for rigorous battery testing and quality assurance in electric vehicles. The repeated issues with the Escape PHEV highlight the risks inherent in early EV designs and the importance of manufacturer accountability.
