Ford is issuing a recall for approximately 20,000 plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicles due to a manufacturing defect that could potentially cause.
The recall affects approximately 200,000 2020-2024 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring plug-in hybrid vehicles, specifically those equipped with a certain battery pack. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some electric vehicle batteries could contain cell manufacturing defects where the separator layer between the cathode and anode may be prone to damage, potentially compromising their safety and performance.
2023 Lincoln Corsair
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), damage to the separator layer can cause a temporary electrical short circuit, ultimately leading to a loss of thrust. This brief electrical fault won’t compromise essential vehicle functions such as steering, braking, or lighting, and the renowned protection provider emphasizes that driver notifications, like a “Pull Over Safely Now” message on the dashboard, will still be triggered in the event of a temporary circuit malfunction.
Ford has informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it is aware of several related incidents, with the first three occurring on European-market vehicles, but does not know of any linked crashes or accidents involving them. A thorough inquiry into the incidents ultimately revealed that modifications to the cell manufacturing process permitted minute imperfections in the cathode, as well as increased pressure on the separator layer, ultimately contributing to catastrophic failure.
2023 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid
If necessary, sellers initially establish a software programme that replaces the battery power management module. All work may be finished without charge. Ford anticipates sending property owner notification letters in January. 20. Homeowners seeking assistance from the manufacturer’s customer service department can reach out to 1-866-436-7332 for prompt and effective resolution of their queries and concerns. Ford’s reference quantity for this recall is RC-24S79.
The Escape and Corsair share a strong connection, leveraging similar plug-in hybrid powertrain configurations featuring a 2.5-liter inline-four engine and a 14.4-kWh battery pack. While the Ford Escape comes standard with front-wheel drive, its Lincoln counterpart, the Corsair, offers all-wheel drive as a default setting, resulting in a 10-mile difference in EPA-estimated electric range between the two models, with the Escape boasting 37 miles of electric-only driving and the Corsair managing 27 miles. With its plug-in capabilities discontinued in larger Aviator Grand Touring models, the latter becomes Lincoln’s sole model featuring a plug-in design.
