Back in January, The Blue Oval recalled select 2020-2024 Ford Escape PHEV and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring models due to an issue with high voltage battery cells that may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure – or a fire. To rectify the problem, Ford instructed dealers to perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. However, a new lawsuit alleges that this action doesn’t quite go far enough.
According to Car Complaints, his new lawsuit – Harry Hilburg, et al., v. Ford Motor Company – was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern Division of Michigan by plaintiffs represented by Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, and The Miller Law Firm PC. It alleges that the lithium-ion batteries present in the aforementioned Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair PHEV models – which are supplied by Samsung – can cause fires to occur, even when those vehicles are parked and turned off.
Ford believes that fewer than one percent of vehicles produced are affected by the problem, and isn’t aware of any crashes or injuries that have occurred as a result, but is still instructing owners not to charge their vehicles until the repairs have been performed. Regardless, the lawsuit claims that Ford was aware of this issue before the vehicles were even sold, and that it “chose profits over safety.” “Ford had all the knowledge it needed to anticipate, test for, and prevent the Spontaneous Fire Risk before the vehicles went to market.”
None of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit have experienced battery failure or fires, but they also noted that not being able to charge the battery is costing them more money in terms of fuel. “Plaintiffs and class members are forced to pay for gas while increasing their carbon footprint. A plug-in electric hybrid vehicle that cannot be operated in all electric mode and is less efficient than its gas-powered equivalent is not fit for its ordinary purpose,” the lawsuit reads.
Comments
TOO MUCH ROAD NOISE ON NEW 2024 EXPIDITION IT IS TIRE PROBLEM
What is a EXPIDITION?
I have a 2014 Fusion Hybrid and after ten years jt never gave me battery problems. The battery was made by Panasonic.
Isn’t Samsung the company that cost GM a billion dollars in Bolt batteries and much more than that in good will?
So question ????? When will this part for the PHEV
Escape become available ???? Its been months now
Some one in Ford land must know.
Phil Smith\\
“[email protected]”
The battery packs all have serial numbers. Why can’t Ford narrow the population of affected vehicles? It’s unacceptable to tell 20k owners to stop charging with no compensation.
if it’s that serious, send out an OTA to disable charging or issue a stop driving statement and give us loaners. First and last time Ford driver here. My 10yr old Volt never had engine or battery recalls.