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Ford Motor Company has announced a safety recall affecting certain 2024-2025 Ford E-Transit Chassis Cab vehicles due to a potential defect in the high voltage traction battery assembly. The recall, identified as NHTSA Recall No. 25V-238 and Ford Recall No. 25S36, involves 457 vehicles built between April 18, 2024, and January 27, 2025. The issue stems from the battery’s aluminum side rails, which may buckle and crack under specific conditions, potentially leading to serious safety risks.
Key Highlights:
- Affected Models: 2024-2025 Ford E-Transit Chassis Cab with Extended Range (4P) batteries.
- Defect: High voltage battery side rails may crack, allowing water ingress.
- Safety Risk: Water in the battery pack could cause an electrical short circuit, potentially leading to a fire.
- Remedy: Ford will inspect and either replace defective battery assemblies or add drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
- Notifications: Dealers will be notified on April 14, 2025, with owner letters mailed between May 5-9, 2025.
The defect occurs when water accumulates in the battery’s side rail channels during outdoor storage, particularly in regions with repeated freeze-thaw cycles. This can cause the side rails to buckle and crack, allowing water to enter the battery pack. If significant water ingress occurs, it may result in an electrical short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. Warning signs include a “Stop safely now” or “Service vehicle soon” message on the instrument cluster, indicating potential isolation loss in the battery.
Ford is taking proactive measures by instructing owners to park vehicles outside, at least 50 feet from structures or other vehicles, until repairs are completed. Owners will be contacted to schedule inspections at Ford or Lincoln dealers, where technicians will check for side rail damage. Batteries showing buckling or cracking will be replaced, while those without damage will have drainage holes added to prevent future issues. These services will be provided at no cost to owners. Additionally, owners who previously paid for related repairs may be eligible for reimbursement under Ford’s recall reimbursement plan.
For more information, owners can contact Ford’s toll-free line at 1-866-436-7332 or visit a local Ford or Lincoln dealer to check vehicle applicability through the Ford On-line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS). Ford is committed to addressing this issue promptly to ensure customer safety.
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