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Ford Motor Company has announced a safety recall involving 457 of its 2024-2025 model year E-Transit Chassis Cab vehicles due to a defect in the high voltage traction battery system. The issue centers on battery tray side rails that may buckle and crack following repeated cycles of freezing and thawing, potentially allowing water to seep into the battery pack and increasing the risk of a fire.
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The vehicles affected are equipped with Extended Range (4P) batteries and were manufactured between April 18, 2024, and January 27, 2025. All impacted units—456 from the 2024 model year and one from 2025—are believed to have the defect. Ford’s investigation found that the battery side rails, made from extruded aluminum, could collect water during outdoor storage before final box installation. Freezing and thawing of the accumulated water can damage the rails, compromising the battery housing.
If water breaches the battery pack, prolonged exposure may cause electrical short circuits, leading to fire hazards. In cases of severe isolation loss, the vehicle will display a “Stop safely now” message, halting both driving and charging capabilities. Milder cases will trigger a “Service vehicle soon” alert on the instrument cluster.
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As a remedy, Ford is directing owners to park affected vehicles outdoors and at least 50 feet from other vehicles or structures until inspections are completed. Dealers will examine the battery assemblies and replace those with cracked or buckled side rails. For units without visible damage, drainage holes will be added to prevent water buildup. All corrective services will be provided free of charge. Notifications to dealers began April 14, 2025, and owner notification letters are scheduled for mailing from May 5 to May 9, 2025.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a Ford Motor Company safety recall report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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