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# Ford Escape PHEV Recall: Battery Defect Poses Fire Risk
- URL: https://www.carexplore.com.au/ford-escape-phev-recall-battery-defect-poses-fire-risk/
- Published: 2025-02-12T23:02:45.000Z
- Updated: 2025-02-12T23:02:45.000Z
- Description: Ford recalls 2019-2023 Escape PHEV due to battery defect posing fire risk. Affected owners should schedule a free software update with Ford dealers.
- Author: Dylan Anderson
- Tags: Car News, Ford, Ford Escape

[**Ford Motor Company of Australia**](https://www.carexplore.com.au/tag/ford/) has issued a recall for **480 units** of the **Ford Escape PHEV (2019-2023 models)** due to a **battery defect** that could result in a [**loss of power or fire risk**](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-006261?ref=carexplore.com.au).

## **What is the Issue?**

According to Ford Australia, **a manufacturing defect** may be present in one or more **cells within the high-voltage battery**. This defect could cause an **internal short circuit**, leading to:

- **Loss of motive power** while driving
- **Battery thermal venting**, which may result in a **vehicle fire**

![Ford Escape PHEV Recall: Battery Defect Poses Fire Risk](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/2025/02/2023-Ford-Escape-ST-Line-Elite_Rapid-Red_03.webp)

## **What Are the Risks?**

This issue presents a **serious safety risk** to **vehicle occupants, other road users, and bystanders**. The primary hazards include:

- Increased **risk of an accident** due to sudden power loss.
- Potential for **vehicle fire**, which could result in **serious injury or death**.

**Note:** Drivers will receive a **“Stop Safely Now” warning** in the **instrument cluster** if a loss of motive power occurs.

## **Which Vehicles Are Affected?**

- **Make:** Ford
- **Model:** Escape PHEV
- **Year Range:** 2019-2023
- **Affected Units:** 480
- **VIN List:** Available in official recall documents

![Ford Escape PHEV Recall: Battery Defect Poses Fire Risk](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/2025/02/2023-Ford-Escape-ST-Line-Elite_Rapid-Red_06.webp)

## **What Should Owners Do?**

Ford will **contact affected vehicle owners** once a **software update** is available. Owners will then need to:

1. **Schedule an appointment** with their preferred Ford dealer.
2. Have the **update installed free of charge**.

## **How to Get More Information**

For further details, affected owners can contact **Ford Australia’s Customer Relationship Centre**:

- **Phone:** 133 673 (13 FORD)
- **Website:** [Ford Australia Official Website](https://www.ford.com.au/?ref=carexplore.com.au)
- [Official Recall Details](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-006261?ref=carexplore.com.au)

## **Previous Recalls on the Ford Escape PHEV**

This is not the first time the **Escape PHEV** has been recalled in Australia. In **2023**, Ford issued a recall due to a **fire risk related to the engine**, unrelated to this battery defect.

## **Summary**

Owners of the **2019-2023 Ford Escape PHEV** should take this **recall seriously**. If you own an affected model, stay alert for Ford’s communication regarding the **free software update** and ensure the issue is addressed promptly to **prevent potential safety hazards**.

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