Ford Issues Recall for Over 270,000 Vehicles Due to Battery Defects

Ford Motor Company has initiated a recall involving approximately 272,817 vehicles due to potential defects in their 12-volt batteries. The issue, identified in certain 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Ford Maverick models, stems from internal weld and cast-on-strap failures in the batteries, which may lead to sudden degradation during operation. This defect poses a significant risk, as it can cause vehicles to lose power unexpectedly or fail to restart, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

The defective batteries, supplied by Camel Battery, were installed in vehicles produced between February 2020 and October 2022. Issues include improperly positioned plate lugs and weak welds, leading to cracked components and potential circuit failures. Notably, these problems were predominantly found in vehicles equipped with Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) from Camel, with no similar failures identified in units supplied by Clarios. The recall follows a series of customer complaints and field investigations, particularly in warmer climates, where higher failure rates were observed.

Ford will notify dealers starting January 21, 2025, with owner notifications scheduled to follow from February 3 to February 7. Affected vehicle owners will be instructed to visit authorized Ford or Lincoln dealerships for an inspection. If the defective Camel battery is present, it will be replaced with a Ford Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery at no cost. Owners who previously paid for related repairs may be eligible for reimbursement under Ford’s recall reimbursement program.

Ford reports no known injuries, fires, or accidents related to this defect. The company encourages owners of affected vehicles to check their recall status through Ford’s customer service channels or contact their local dealership for assistance. This proactive approach aims to ensure customer safety while addressing the root cause of the issue.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

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