[barrygurl08]

Possibly it indicated that owners should limit charging to 85%? But I did see 85% referenced. See the online info below. I didn’t make this up…. View attachment 86669

I called Ford and they said NO CHARGING whatsoever. I asked if they’ll be reimbursing me for filling up my tank 3 times a week, instead of my typical once every two weeks. I have yet to get an answer. And, is new software really going to make it better? How about a new battery that won’t cause the fire hazard?

 

[Harborman]

I have a Level 1 charger & charge the battery in my driveway. I stopped charging completely for a week & figured that since I'd been charging for over a year without incident, I'd try charging, but limit my charge to 50%. With MI Winter temps, I'm thinking that provides additional cushion against a battery thermal event.
Thoughts?

Of course, Ford in CYA mode, states in the letter I received via snail mail (bold red font), to refrain from any charging. I'm sure this can be tracked - Will this void my warranty?

Seems logical that our PHEV’s were designed by Ford (sold to us) to be externally charged. Being under warranty, Ford should immediately replace all batteries to guarantee our safety. As someone mentioned, the regenerative charging could charge our batteries back to full capacity, so if driving around with a fully charged battery is a RISK, then Ford needs to act much more quickly to get all batteries replaced.

 

[barrygurl08]

We are really disappointed with Ford. I think they may have recently sent a software update which limits charging to 85%. (I noticed this came up on my screen.) We spent excessively more to get the plug in hybrid. So now we can’t charge and still wonder if our battery is one of the “fire prone” ones….? We are LONG TIME Ford buyers and definitely feel Ford needs to reimburse all affected PHEV owners for extra gas purchase. Not only that, Ford needs to replace all batteries that are potentially faulty. Limiting the amount of charge capacity with a “software” update is NOT a fix. I’m ready to trade this lemon if Ford doesn’t make things right. As most of you probably agree… any time something major (like a new hybrid battery) needs to be done at the dealership, we are at the mercy of the technicians doing the work. I personally have NEVER felt comfortable with anything done by a dealership - even an oil change. I’ve had experiences where I’ve requested full synthetic, and have been lied to about using the full synthetic oil. Let me know what you all think Ford needs to do… Thanks

I agree 100%! I called Ford to clarify and they said NO CHARGING whatsoever. I asked about reimbursement for having to fill up with gas 3 times a week, instead of my usual once every two weeks. I have yet to get an answer. And, YES! provide a new battery please! I don’t want to be driving knowing there may be a fire risk even if there’s a sensor to warn me. And, with the exception of the first 4 months I owned my car, it has never gotten the advertise 37 mile charge. These days, I’m excited if it shows 25 miles when I start the car. And now they want to reduce my mileage even further? Shame on you, Ford!!!

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Seems logical that our PHEV’s were designed by Ford (sold to us) to be externally charged. Being under warranty, Ford should immediately replace all batteries to guarantee our safety. As someone mentioned, the regenerative charging could charge our batteries back to full capacity, so if driving around with a fully charged battery is a RISK, then Ford needs to act much more quickly to get all batteries replaced.

Couple of thoughts.
How long would it take Samsung to produce 20000 replacement batteries? Then how long would it take them to distribute and coordinate replacement of those 20000 batteries. Certainly not overnight let alone the legal negotiations to even start the process. So “immediately “ is really not an option. Remember we’re only maybe 2 months into the recall and a few weeks into the do not charge warning.
I believe that the incidents (3 possibly 4 battery venting events with no fires in Europe) happened while charging and not driving which probably was the major reason Ford pushed the do not charge. If there was any chance that the onboard charging would cause a fire risk then we would have received a do not drive warning from Ford.
As I understand the software fix it would detect a faulty battery and set in motion steps to protect the vehicle from damage. And then qualify the vehicle for a replacement battery. If there’s nothing wrong with the battery then it wouldn’t be replaced. Remember they suspect that 1% of vehicles may have an issue.
If there’s other information out there that contradicts my thoughts then please enlighten me.

 

[Harborman]

Couple of thoughts.
How long would it take Samsung to produce 20000 replacement batteries? Then how long would it take them to distribute and coordinate replacement of those 20000 batteries. Certainly not overnight let alone the legal negotiations to even start the process. So “immediately “ is really not an option. Remember we’re only maybe 2 months into the recall and a few weeks into the do not charge warning.
I believe that the incidents (3 possibly 4 battery venting events with no fires in Europe) happened while charging and not driving which probably was the major reason Ford pushed the do not charge. If there was any chance that the onboard charging would cause a fire risk then we would have received a do not drive warning from Ford.
As I understand the software fix it would detect a faulty battery and set in motion steps to protect the vehicle from damage. And then qualify the vehicle for a replacement battery. If there’s nothing wrong with the battery then it wouldn’t be replaced. Remember they suspect that 1% of vehicles may have an issue.
If there’s other information out there that contradicts my thoughts then please enlighten me.

Thank you for knowing more about the software fix Ford is planning to install to detect faulty batteries. (Maybe you work for Ford, because Ford hasn’t sent us any specific information regarding the 1% bad batteries or the software remedy.) If I’m driving around with one of the 200 (per you) bad batteries, it really doesn’t make me feel very confident to take my vehicle on any type of trip. We are 70 years old and planned to take some trips south in the Winter. Who in their right mind wants to have any chance of a vehicle breakdown? I’m being respectful and agree that this fix can’t happen overnight, but installing software to detect a known Samsung battery problem sounds more like a bandaid on a time-bomb. Once our vehicles are out of warranty and these bad batteries decide to flame up, then what? Then I’m surmising it will be our problem. We like to keep our vehicles longer than the warranty period. Thanks for the additional information and again, I’m not being unreasonable. We have purchased at least 16 new Fords. Thank you.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Thank you for knowing more about the software fix Ford is planning to install to detect faulty batteries. (Maybe you work for Ford, because Ford hasn’t sent us any specific information regarding the 1% bad batteries or the software remedy.) If I’m driving around with one of the 200 (per you) bad batteries, it really doesn’t make me feel very confident to take my vehicle on any type of trip. We are 70 years old and planned to take some trips south in the Winter. Who in their right mind wants to have any chance of a vehicle breakdown? I’m being respectful and agree that this fix can’t happen overnight, but installing software to detect a known Samsung battery problem sounds more like a bandaid on a time-bomb. Once our vehicles are out of warranty and these bad batteries decide to flame up, then what? Then I’m surmising it will be our problem. We like to keep our vehicles longer than the warranty period. Thanks for the additional information and again, I’m not being unreasonable. We have purchased at least 16 new Fords. Thank you.

I’ve posted these multiple times in this forum but here you go. Lots of good information in them. The software is being developed to detect problem batteries before anything happens . Which at this time only a venting event does. And again no reported fires. Not an employee of Ford just a owner. I spend a-lot of time looking into issues before I post on them. Also have a 22 Ranger which Ford replaced the transmission at 18000 miles. That wasn’t a recall but it was a process that Ford put in place to resolve issues. I had to be patient and follow the steps but they took care of it. There may be more to read about and if I come across it I’ll post it.

 

[Harborman]

Thank you -I’ll have to download your attachments and will try to digest. (I’m just an owner and not an engineer.) I get it - that Ford can’t fix this problem fast enough. I also know driving gas only with no plug in capability is costing all Escape PHEV owners extra money. Anything that can cause a vehicle to stop operating on a busy expressway is just plain scary. The software sounds like it will shut down the vehicle before any fire occurs. It’s the “shutting down” I’m concerned about. If the software fix will allow normal driving to continue even if a bad battery is detected, then I’d be willing to gamble. The last thing I want to do is break down on a trip anywhere, get flat bedded to some strange Ford dealership, and then wait for them to diagnose the problem and order parts. Sorry - but my older perspective. Thanks

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Thank you -I’ll have to download your attachments and will try to digest. (I’m just an owner and not an engineer.) I get it - that Ford can’t fix this problem fast enough. I also know driving gas only with no plug in capability is costing all Escape PHEV owners extra money. Anything that can cause a vehicle to stop operating on a busy expressway is just plain scary. The software sounds like it will shut down the vehicle before any fire occurs. It’s the “shutting down” I’m concerned about. If the software fix will allow normal driving to continue even if a bad battery is detected, then I’d be willing to gamble. The last thing I want to do is break down on a trip anywhere, get flat bedded to some strange Ford dealership, and then wait for them to diagnose the problem and order parts. Sorry - but my older perspective. Thanks

Understandable
But if you’re taking a long trip then you’re either driving in Auto EV or EV later and Ford isn’t limiting you to drive in those modes. So I wouldn’t be worried about that.

 

[Harborman]

Understandable
But if you’re taking a long trip then you’re either driving in Auto EV or EV later and Ford isn’t limiting you to drive in those modes. So I wouldn’t be worried about that.

I’m glad you are keeping more abreast of this recall than many of us….. I appreciate your knowledge. As the owner of a 2000 Honda Insight (first hybrid in US), I’m aware of battery woes. The Insight has a NiMH battery but there’s an aftermarket lithium battery now available.
Thanks again.
PS: I just now renewed my Escape PHEV (minus) Wisconsin plate including the extra $75 hybrid fee and the extra $40 wheel tax fee.

 

[Salkin]

While actual risk of having problem with recalled battery may be small, I have lost confidence in Ford's ability to address the risk for owners whose lives may depends on.

I had a plan to switch to a fully electric BEV. I was planning to wait till next year but a change of plan was needed. While there are still EV credits and incentives available, I took advantage and just purchased Chevy Equinox EV.

Since our 22 Escape PHEV has this open recall, the dealer did not even give me an offer. Still with all rebates and discounts, I got a great deal. Our 22 Escape PHEV is for sale now, but chance of anyone buying it 'as is' with this open recall is slim. I will see what Ford comes up for closing this open recall, and hope to sell it then.

Until then the car will be garaged with the 12v battery removed for a long term storage.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

While actual risk of having problem with recalled battery may be small, I have lost confidence in Ford's ability to address the risk for owners whose lives may depends on.

I had a plan to switch to a fully electric BEV. I was planning to wait till next year but a change of plan was needed. While there are still EV credits and incentives available, I took advantage and just purchased Chevy Equinox EV.

Since our 22 Escape PHEV has open recall, the dealer did not even give me an offer. Still with all rebates and discounts, I got a great deal. Our 22 Escape PHEV is for sale now, but chance of anyone buying it as is slim. I will see what Ford comes up for closing this open recall, and hope to sell it then.

Until then the car will be garaged with the 12v battery removed for a long term storage.

The Chevy dealer wouldn’t give you an offer correct?

 

[STRAUSJE]

How do you get an Escape to take 32A charge? It seems to max out at 16A

Simple answer to your question is NO, you don't get it to charge at 32A
Here is the Escape charging spec:
16amp/240v charger level 2 14/30 power plug

 

[Salkin]

The Chevy dealer wouldn’t give you an offer correct?

I did not ask for the actual offer beyond asking for trade-in value online. When I told the sales rep that it has an open recall that prevents the car to be plugged in until fixed. She suggested to ask Ford to buy it back. Simply, they did not want to take the risk. I don't blame them. I don't want to take that risk either. And I don't have as deep pocket as the Chevy dealer.

 

[ggadwa]

Lots attention to this latest fiasco RECALL. My 2021 ESCAPE PHEV is going to continue to be charged from my Level 2 Charger. I am NOT about to cease charging for who knows how long before they come up with a "software Fix". I talked to my Ford Dealer in Boise Idaho and he said they have no new news about when the FIX would be out and that I should just do what I think is right. Frustrated in Idaho Gary

 

[Harborman]

Lots attention to this latest fiasco RECALL. My 2021 ESCAPE PHEV is going to continue to be charged from my Level 2 Charger. I am NOT about to cease charging for who knows how long before they come up with a "software Fix". I talked to my Ford Dealer in Boise Idaho and he said they have no new news about when the FIX would be out and that I should just do what I think is right. Frustrated in Idaho Gary

I’m on the fence with charging…. And I believe I’ll probably charge it to around 50% max. It seems logical that if there’s a problem with my battery, the problem existed since the vehicle was manufactured. Therefore, if an internal battery short was going to occur, wouldn’t it be likely to have happened during the past year and a half that I’ve been charging? Ford sure isn’t giving enough feedback - and I’m not too enthused about a “software” patch instead of a replacement battery.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

I’m on the fence with charging…. And I believe I’ll probably charge it to around 50% max. It seems logical that if there’s a problem with my battery, the problem existed since the vehicle was manufactured. Therefore, if an internal battery short was going to occur, wouldn’t it be likely to have happened during the past year and a half that I’ve been charging? Ford sure isn’t giving enough feedback - and I’m not too enthused about a “software” patch instead of a replacement battery.

The software update is supposed to detect an issue and if there’s an issue then you get a new battery. If there’s no issue then your battery is fine. It will continue to monitor if you have an issue down the road ( 8 years/100000 miles battery warranty if Ford doesn’t extend it)

 

[galhartley]

Lots attention to this latest fiasco RECALL. My 2021 ESCAPE PHEV is going to continue to be charged from my Level 2 Charger. I am NOT about to cease charging for who knows how long before they come up with a "software Fix". I talked to my Ford Dealer in Boise Idaho and he said they have no new news about when the FIX would be out and that I should just do what I think is right. Frustrated in Idaho Gary

I held off charging at all because if there was a problem ,Ford might say we told yo so and shirck paying.

 

[bluthundr]

I held off charging at all because if there was a problem ,Ford might say we told yo so and shirck paying.

Will absolutely check charge logs and not pay if you charged.

 

[Texasota]

I don't think there are any villains here. Samsung delivered some batteries to Ford (and other OEMs) that may have an internal defect. Samsung did not do that intentionally. Ford is likely just as frustrated as the effected Escape PHEV owners and they know it is detrimental to their quality reputation even though they did not design/build the battery.

They are deploying a software update to detect if their is a problem within your battery. If there is, Ford/Samsung will replace it under warranty. I'm not sure what else could be demanded from Ford short of replacing all of the batteries even though most are probably fine. Ford will also likely have some kind of customer satisfaction program to compensate affected owners that are not able to plug in and charge their batteries. I'm betting that if you are patient, Ford will make it right for you.

 

[Harborman]

The software update is supposed to detect an issue and if there’s an issue then you get a new battery. If there’s no issue then your battery is fine. It will continue to monitor if you have an issue down the road ( 8 years/100000 miles battery warranty if Ford doesn’t extend it)

Thanks Steve-
It would seem logical that any internal battery short, that a software update will “monitor” would require additional sensors to collect the necessary data that shows the problem. It must not be an easy fix, or we’d already have it. I sure hope the software fix doesn’t include reducing the charge capacity of our battery - in order to reduce chance of a failure. Ford needs to maintain the original battery capacity/performance.
👍