Summary
Ford is recalling 950 F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks due to defective battery cells that could short circuit
The recall addresses suspect cells with misaligned electrodes, posing a risk of internal short circuit and potential fire
There have been reports of five vehicle fires and one injury related to the issue, under investigation by Ford
Owners are asked to limit charging to 80% until they can take their trucks to dealerships for inspection and replacement of battery packs
Letters will be mailed to owners on Mar. 17 with more information, and they can contact Ford’s customer service for assistance
Article
Ford is recalling 950 F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks due to potentially defective battery cells that could lead to a short circuit and potentially cause fires. The recall, covering 2022-2024 F-150 Lightning trucks, addresses cells that may have misaligned electrodes due to a manufacturing issue with a supplier. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has warned that repeated charge and discharge cycles could cause an internal short circuit.
The NHTSA has cautioned that a short circuit could occur without warning and may result in fires. Ford has reported five incidents of vehicle fires that may be linked to this issue, as well as one injury. Ford is urging owners to limit charging to 80% of the battery pack’s full capacity until they can bring their trucks to dealerships for inspection. If necessary, the battery packs will be replaced free of charge.
Owners of the affected F-150 Lightning trucks will be notified of the recall through letters set to be mailed on Mar. 17. In the meantime, they can contact Ford’s customer service department at 1-866-436-7332 for more information. The reference number for this recall is 25S18. This recall highlights the dangers of defective battery cells in electric vehicles, with other manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar also facing similar issues with their EV models.
Defective battery cells in EVs have been a common cause of recalls, with other manufacturers also facing similar issues. Mercedes-Benz recently recalled 7,362 EQB crossovers due to a similar battery cell issue, while Jaguar has announced plans to buy back nearly 3,000 I-Pace crossovers over a battery-fire risk that previous recalls have failed to address. Chevrolet also had to recall all Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models in North America in 2021, leading to battery-pack replacements in most cases.
The recall of the F-150 Lightning trucks is a precautionary measure to address potential safety risks associated with the defective battery cells. Ford’s decision to ask owners to limit charging and bring their vehicles in for inspection demonstrates their commitment to addressing safety concerns promptly. The incidents of vehicle fires and injuries linked to the issue underscore the importance of proactive recalls and thorough inspections to ensure the safety of EV owners and the general public. Ford’s prompt response to the issue sets a positive example for other manufacturers facing similar challenges in the EV industry.
Overall, the recall of the F-150 Lightning trucks highlights the ongoing efforts of automakers to address safety concerns in electric vehicles and underscores the importance of thorough inspections and proactive measures to ensure the safety of consumers. By identifying and addressing potential issues with battery cells, manufacturers like Ford are taking steps to enhance the safety and reliability of EVs for consumers. The collaboration between automakers, regulatory agencies, and consumers is crucial in addressing safety concerns in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.
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