Ford is issuing a recall for approximately 9,000 hybrid vehicles due to a software issue that can cause the drivetrain to spontaneously shift into neutral.
Affected vehicles comprise approximately 8,369 Maverick hybrid pickup trucks from model years 2022 to 2024, in addition to around 277 Escape SUVs from model years 2020-2022 and 81 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid crossovers from model years 2021 and 2022. All three fashion styles share a common foundation and numerous key components.
2022 Ford Escape
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, certain vehicles may experience a malfunction of their Hybrid Powertrain Management Module (HPCM), causing it to inadvertently shift into neutral, thereby keeping the vehicle moving while reducing power delivery to the wheels. When this situation arises, the vehicle will slow down naturally and seamlessly transition into park mode. When restarted and driven in fourth gear, vehicles will automatically default to reduced power mode to conserve energy.
Sellers provide access to updated HPCM software at no charge. Ford will begin informing homeowners about scheduling appointments for this service by the end of this month.
2022 Lincoln Corsair
The client experiences have consistently emphasized that the Maverick’s reliability is truly exceptional. It and J.D. Energy has also found that, on a business average, hybrids are significantly less prone to issues compared to plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. Notwithstanding, the EPA has noted that hybrid and electric vehicles have contributed to mitigating the environmental impact of more polluting vans and SUVs.
Ford remains committed to hybrid technology, viewing it as a strategic backup in case electric vehicle demand fluctuates. CEO Jim Farley has stated that hybrids will assume a increasingly vital role alongside EVs, underscoring their complementary nature in the transition to electrification. The automaker has pushed back production of certain next-generation electric vehicles, along with a highly anticipated pickup truck and sport utility vehicle, in order to accelerate the integration of hybrid powertrains across its entire model range.
