[CrazyJim]

Snail mail, email and a message in the FordPass app. I expect a phone call before too long. Maximum CYA. Nice to know the almighty Samsung is the ultimate bad guy in this. I hope they get their asses spanked hard.

Thanks for finding and sharing the link. Mine is 2022 that really has had no issues at all and giving great mileage. Only used about 6 tankfuls of gas in those 3 years and have solar along with battery backup. Thus driving used to cost almost nothing. Very happy with the CVT and most of the features. Ford software inferface to charging options is really lame and hard to know when it takes.

 

[Cam-WA]

Thanks for finding and sharing the link. Mine is 2022 that really has had no issues at all and giving great mileage. Only used about 6 tankfuls of gas in those 3 years and have solar along with battery backup. Thus driving used to cost almost nothing. Very happy with the CVT and most of the features. Ford software inferface to charging options is really lame and hard to know when it takes.

When you say "driving used to cost almost nothing," are you factoring in the cost of electricity to charge the battery? I live in the Pacific Northwest, where we enjoy relatively low electric rates, but I did a back of an envelope calculation that led me to the conclusion thatthe cost of charging the battery is the equivalent of about $2 a gallon of gas. Well that's a lot less than gas in Washington state, I wouldn't characterize it as "almost nothing."

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Snail mail, email and a message in the FordPass app. I expect a phone call before too long. Maximum CYA. Nice to know the almighty Samsung is the ultimate bad guy in this. I hope they get their asses spanked hard.

Yup, message in Ford Pass this evening.

 

[Dovidas44]

I received an email from Ford this afternoon with the updated information regarding not plugging in. Most likely also received it in the mail back home ( we’re out of state for two months). Also ran across this. Seems like it’s not an exclusively Ford issue.

https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2025/02/11/samsung-sdi-recalls-180000-high-voltage-battery-packs-because-of-risk-of-failure-leading-to-fires/

My read on the link is that Samsung is that recalling the batteries. To me this means SAMSUNG should replace all the (180,000) battery packs.

 

[Salkin]

When you say "driving used to cost almost nothing," are you factoring in the cost of electricity to charge the battery?

@CrazyJim commented he has "solar along with battery backup". That combination makes electricity almost free (without considering the capital investment outlay of course).

I live in NE where the cost of electricity is very high compared to relatively low cost of gasoline. Our current standard electricity rate is $0.3/kWh and average gas is $3.00/gal. At 37miles EV range from a full charge using average 12kWh electricity at wall or 37mpg by 1gal gas at $3, it cost about $0.60 more to drive the same distance by EV. So, currently our break even point for EV and HV is $0.25/kWh electricity for $3.00/gal gas.

But, I recently completed the rooftop solar installation. Now our electricity is predicted to be $0.025/kWh (without the capital investment). I was hoping to enjoy "almost free" fuel cost for my car for the first time in that last 7 years of PHEV ownership... But that plan is now all gone with this 'do not plug in' meme from Ford.

 

[CrazyJim]

When you say "driving used to cost almost nothing," are you factoring in the cost of electricity to charge the battery? I live in the Pacific Northwest, where we enjoy relatively low electric rates, but I did a back of an envelope calculation that led me to the conclusion thatthe cost of charging the battery is the equivalent of about $2 a gallon of gas. Well that's a lot less than gas in Washington state, I wouldn't characterize it as "almost nothing."

Agree but that is when the particulars start. I could charge at work for free 1-2 years, then it became $0.06 a kilowatt. Close to nothing. When they raised it to 12 cents is when I started the Solar install. That is when it becomes basically nothing. However laying out the cash upfront for the installation is not nothing either. But since I have heat pump HVAC all my electrical needs the solar panel with batteries handles. The batteries are mainly to avoid the peak hour charges not backup.
At 10 cents * 10 KW battery and I get 40 miles that is $1.00 to go 40 miles. Not nothing but close to it compared to driving a vehicle that gets 16 miles a gallon on average with a $5.00 per gallon cost that last few years.

 

[Salkin]

Not nothing but close to it compared to driving a vehicle that gets 16 miles a gallon on average with a $5.00 per gallon cost that last few years.

I hope you are not getting only 16mpg from your Escape PHEV on Hybrid mode. That is too low in my experience with my 22 PHEV. Even on highway speed above 70mph in the below freezing temp and loaded cabin, mine still gets close to 30mph. The city drive at moderate speed, I can easily get above 40mph without using any battery charge. The official EPA milage of 37mpg is what I get on average.

 

[skb999]

But is the remedy actually a replacement part or just software to disable the vehicle from being charged ever again? That's what I'm wondering about, I've gotten the recall notice from Ford so my bad luck Escape once again will the the 'fix' of not allowing me to drive the car. If it means to disable the vehicle if a certain high voltage occurs and then I get it towed to have the battery replaced ok then.

they CLAIM it will be a software fix to the battery management unit to better detect failing batteries plus a test to check battery condition. I suspect it will be something else.
Some other brands have done the same thing.
Either way, the last time a quarter was specified for a recall, the fix came out many months late -- expect to use your car in 2026

 

[RRR70]

Gotta love this recall.

We decided to install a Level 2 charger as it seems we are doing more short trips around town and never quite get a full charge, also to future proof. Spent the time and money to buy my charger and run my conduit, then was going to wait till the piggy bank replenished till I bought the wire and permit. Was going to wait a little longer to buy the charger but some moron decided to slap tariffs on Canada so figured to get it sooner and beat the price increase. So now I'm at the point of buy the wire now and finish the project or wait while Ford screws around till who knows how long with the fix and hope the copper prices don't jump.

Still a little pissed at Ford about conveniently not bothering to tell about the mileage drop in the cooler months. I understand why the drop but explaining it to my wife is a lost cause. Only reason I bought this bolt bucket was to tow behind my motorhome.

 

[Salkin]

Here is the email from Ford I just received:

Building vehicles you can count on is one of our most important jobs. Which is why we’ve issued a recall for certain 2020‑2024 Ford Escape® Plug‑in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV).

You should immediately refrain from charging your vehicle to maintain a lower charge level in the high voltage battery, reducing the risk of a vehicle fire until a remedy is available.

A manufacturing defect in one or more of your vehicle’s high voltage battery cells may cause the cell to develop an internal short circuit.

In the event of a high voltage battery cell internal short circuit, you will experience a Stop Safely Now message and warning icon in the instrument cluster. You may also experience a loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. You will continue to have 12‑volt (V) accessories, steering, and braking control. You may also experience battery thermal venting potentially resulting in a vehicle fire, increasing the risk of injury.

Parts and software are expected to become available in the second quarter of 2025. You will be notified by mail as soon as parts and software are available.

For any questions about safety recall 24S79, please contact our Ford Customer Relationship Center at 866‑436‑7332 and a Ford Recall team member will be happy to assist you. You can also visit us online at ford.com/support.

As always, thank you for being a Ford Owner.

 

[TurboSerbo]

The recall does say "some".
The battery packs serial numbers are tracked by Ford so unlike the engine crank journal polishing problem they know EXACTLY which vehicles these went into at the factory.

Kuga owners got 500 pounds gas coupon and battery replacement for the same issue in 2020

Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid recall: the latest details | DrivingElectric

Ford has recalled a number of its Kuga plug-in hybrids over safety concerns. Here's everything you need to know

www.drivingelectric.com

 

[TurboSerbo]

When you say "driving used to cost almost nothing," are you factoring in the cost of electricity to charge the battery? I live in the Pacific Northwest, where we enjoy relatively low electric rates, but I did a back of an envelope calculation that led me to the conclusion thatthe cost of charging the battery is the equivalent of about $2 a gallon of gas. Well that's a lot less than gas in Washington state, I wouldn't characterize it as "almost nothing."

In BC it's $0.10 kWh so it costs me a $1 Canadian Peso to fill up. About $0.60 USD

 

[galhartley]

I only charge to 80% also not sure if that matters.What if I continue to charge and something happens.Is that on me then?

 

[TurboSerbo]

I don't know. Ford doesn't want to take responsibility for any insurance issues related to a fire. I think we should communicate to Ford that we want the same deal the Kuga owners got, gas coupon and a new battery immediately

 

[CrazyJim]

I hope you are not getting only 16mpg from your Escape PHEV on Hybrid mode. That is too low in my experience with my 22 PHEV. Even on highway speed above 70mph in the below freezing temp and loaded cabin, mine still gets close to 30mph. The city drive at moderate speed, I can easily get above 40mph without using any battery charge. The official EPA milage of 37mpg is what I get on average.

Ah sorry. I do get 37 ish in the ICE mode or a little less due to hills. What I forgot to mention is that if I follow what they tell us it is hard to believe the car is not still vulnerable and could cause a crash if/when it shorts out. Hence, should not be driving at all. So back to my 2002 Ranger FX4 which gets 16mpg. Duh on me, it was in my head. I almost bought a F150 Lightning but they put me on a 2yr wait list then never called me back. Now after this and they cannot sell them I am fairly happy I didn't drop more money into Ford Electric. But let's see how it turns out. Hoping to get this resolved and back to near zero cost with solar charging.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

We’ve decided to go ICE only until a resolution. Our situation differs from most I’m sure. We may have the opportunity to put maybe 5-600 electric miles on it the next 3-4 months. That’s because we aren’t driving it as much. With gas costs around us it’s about $.085 cents a mile to drive on gas and about $.045 cents a mile on home charged electric. So it’s “costing “ us $.04 cents a mile to adhere to Fords request to not plug in. Doing the math it figures to be about $20-$30 “ out of pocket “. Still not happy about it and will complain to them but for the $20-$30 it’s not worth the hassle IF something were to happen. Again I know everyone’s situation is different and respect their decision.

 

[Gateswood]

What about the health of the 14.4 kWh HVB being forced to operate as if it's a 1.1 kWh hybrid battery pack?

What about the health of the deep sleepy 12v battery that asks for an independent charge from the L2 every day the car isn't driven, takes a charge with every HVB charge and also during every departure routine/cabin preconditioning?

 

[TurboSerbo]

We're screwed in Canada. No lemon laws. I still think we ought to ***** and complain to get the same deal Ford gave the Limeys, gas coupon and battery exchange. I'll ask my lawyer friend.

 

[Alayne]

how does one get Ford to buy the car back? I didn't know that was possible.

 

[louis.melton]

Here is a copy of a letter I just sent to Jim Farley:

Mr. James D. Farley, CEO
Ford Motor Company
1 American Rd
Dearborn, MI 48126

Re: 2023 Ford Escape PHEV; VIN 1FMCU0E19PUA07935
Safety Recall Notice 24S79/NHTSA Recall 24V954

Dear Mr. Farley;

By way of introduction, I am a recent new Ford customer. After many years of so-called “foreign” vehicle ownership, I decided my dollars should favor “American” products.

After learning of PHEV technology, I thought it would be a terrific stopgap between our fossil fuel past and our electrified future. Following social media posts and other research, I decided that an Escape PHEV would serve my family’s needs. In 2022, I ordered a ’23 model. After several months, and paying full retail, the vehicle arrived, about half way through the model year. Today, the vehicle has about 11,000 miles on it.

Although I have received other recalls, the latest, noted above, has pretty much set me off. Having spent a career in business, I am always hesitant to be too critical of any issue as I know that there are always two sides and that social media tends to be hysterical. That said, I am especially disappointed in my Ford Escape experience so far, for the following reasons:

• Hybrid technology can hardly be considered “leading edge”.
• Plug-in Hybrids have been on the market long enough for any mechanical/electrical issues to have been sufficiently addressed.
• The recall noted above directs me to stop using the Plug-in feature. As I understand it, other than totally losing the benefit of purchasing a PHEV, not keeping the battery charged causes degradation, especially in the cold weather. I do appreciate the fact that this recall lessens the chances that the vehicle will burn my house down.
• According to the recall, it could be as long as 3.5 months before a fix is determined.
• I have no doubt that recalls (especially this one) will prematurely diminish the value of my vehicle. It is doubtful that it even has any trade in value as long as this recall is hanging over the vehicle.
• I'm not happy carrying around an additional 385# (curb weight difference between PHEV and regular hybrid) until a fix is determined.

In closing, may I suggest that your marketing/advertising departments and your engineering departments get together for lunch occasionally and come up with a more viable marketing campaign that avoids the use of the noun “quality”. This gives the advertising business a bad name.

Very truly yours,