The Blue Oval previously recalled select 2022-2023 Ford Maverick and 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport models over an issue with the 12-volt battery that could result in a total loss of drive power, which it addressed by instructing dealers to complete software updates for the body control module and powertrain control module. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opted to investigate the effectiveness of that action in late 2024, and now, a new class action lawsuit has been filed for precisely that same reason.
According to Car Complaints, this new lawsuit – Erika Ortega v. Ford Motor Company, and Camel Group (USA) Battery, Inc. – was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by a plaintiff represented by Laukaitis Law LLC, and Siri & Glimstad LLP. The plaintiff owns a Ford Bronco Sport and hasn’t experienced any issues with her 12-volt battery, but alleges that owners of impacted models “are unable to safely drive the Class Vehicles without risk of crashing.”
Following the opening of the NHTSA’s investigation into this matter, Ford issued another recall for 273,000 Maverick and Bronco Sport models equipped with 12-volt batteries from a supplier called Camel, instructing dealers to replace those units with BAGM-48H6-760 batteries. It then added another recall for 12,833 models due to the fact that dealers didn’t perform some software updates correctly as part of the initial recall.
Regardless, the plaintiff claims that Ford’s fix for this particular issue is “wholly inadequate,” devalues her vehicle, and adds that she believes there is “cognizable risk inherent within this Recall.” “Unless Defendants are to issue a more comprehensive recall to truly fix the root cause of the Defect, it is foreseeable, and should be expected, that the Class Vehicles’ battery systems will fail once again. Defendants’ Recall is no more than an ineffective waste of time as there is no true fix for the Defect,” the lawsuit reads.
Comments
And the replacements are probably made in China too, so it could not be the answer.
Have you always been a crybaby?
Mine has died once when I was driving it. I was at a red light but it freaked me out. Other times all the electronics go dead for a minute. Glad to see Ford will fix this because I’m over 36,000 miles. I still love this car. Wish it was a hybrid though.
Change those obsolete AGM lead acid batteries for LFP batteries. They will cost more but they are lighter, won’t heat up, and last longer.
And the lawers will receive millions while the vehicle owners will just get another crap China battery. Just love the legal system.
Shakespeare was right.
Plaintiff has NO PROBLEM with her car. Case must be in front of Judge Boasberg.