Ford Recalls Over 300,000 Vehicles Due to Short‑Circuit Fire Risk

Breaking: Ford recalls impact more than 300,000 vehicles over risk of short circuit

Ford is launching a global safety recall affecting more than 300,000 vehicles due to the chance of an electrical short circuit that could spark a fire. The company says the issue is isolated to a specific wiring component and will be addressed at no cost to owners.

The recall underscores the ongoing challenges automakers face as vehicles become increasingly connected and powered by complex electrical systems. Ford plans to begin notifying affected customers in the coming weeks, with dealers tasked to inspect the wiring harness and replace components as necessary.

What drivers should know

Owners of perhaps affected models should await official instructions from Ford. Until inspected, motorists are advised not to ignore any odd electrical behavior or heat near the dashboard, and to avoid driving the vehicle if directed by Ford or regulators. Ford will cover all repairs under the recall.

Regulators and safety agencies provide ways to verify recall status. In the United States, the NHTSA maintains a searchable database where VIN checks reveal current recalls. Official recall facts from Ford is available here: NHTSA recall information and Ford safety recalls.

Key facts at a glance

Key Fact	Details
Affected vehicles	more than 300,000 worldwide
Issue	Electrical short circuit risk that could cause a fire
Remedy	inspection of wiring harness; replacement of faulty parts as needed
Cost to owner	Free repairs under the recall
How to check status	Enter VIN on NHTSA or Ford recall portals

Evergreen takeaways

Recall events of this nature illustrate the balance between rapid tech integration in modern cars and rigorous safety testing. As vehicles rely more on high-current electrical systems and complex networks, proactive maintenance and transparent recall processes remain essential to sustaining consumer trust. Signing up for recall alerts and routinely checking VIN-based updates helps drivers stay ahead of potential issues.

Industry observers note that improving fault-detection software and supplierQuality controls can reduce future risks. For readers, staying informed thru official channels and understanding yoru vehicle’s electrical system can make recalls less disruptive and faster to resolve.

Reader engagement

Have you received a recall notice for your vehicle, and did you take action promptly? How do you stay updated on safety recalls for your car?

Share your experiences in the comments and tell us what steps you take to monitor recall information for your family’s vehicles.

>Thermal cascade – When the vehicle operates in extreme heat (≥ 45 °C) or under heavy towing, the module can exceed its temperature rating, causing the solder to melt. 

 

 
 
 

Electrical arcing – Melted solder creates an unintended connection between the high‑voltage bus and chassis ground, initiating a short‑circuit. 

 

 
 
 

Fire propagation – The short‑circuit can ignite surrounding insulation and fuel lines, resulting in a rapidly spreading fire.

 

 
 

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Reported incidents and safety risk 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
• Total complaints to NHTSA: 14 (as of 12 January 2026) – all involving smoke or flames in the engine bay.

 
 
 
 

• Injuries: None confirmed; all incidents occurred while the vehicle was stationary and the drivers were able to exit safely.

 
 
 
 

• Potential outcomes: Uncontrolled fire can lead to total vehicle loss, damage to nearby property, and, in rare cases, secondary injuries.

 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Remediation procedure (Ford’s fix) 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
• ford’s corrective action includes a field‑replaceable BMS module and an updated thermal interface pad.The repair steps are:

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
1. disconnect the high‑voltage battery – Follow the lock‑out procedure outlined in the service manual.

 
 
 
 

2. Remove the faulty BMS module – Located beneath the passenger‑side footwell,secured with two Torx‑T30 bolts.

 
 
 
 

3. Install the upgraded module – New part number: BMS‑R2‑2026 (includes reinforced solder joints).

 
 
 
 

4. Apply the new thermal pad – Improves heat dissipation and lowers operating temperature by ~8 °C.

 
 
 
 

5. Re‑connect the battery and run a diagnostic scan – Verify that fault codes P0A80 and P0A81 are cleared.

 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Owner actions and timeline 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
• Notification: Ford will mail a recall notice and email owners registered on MyFord™.

 
 
 
 

• service appointment: Book through Ford’s online portal or call the nearest dealer. appointments are scheduled on a first‑come,first‑served basis,with a typical turnaround of 90 minutes.

 
 
 
 

• Cost: Free of charge – parts, labor, and towing (if needed) are covered by Ford under warranty.

 
 
 
 

• Deadline: 

.Ford Recalls Over 300,000 Vehicles Due to Short‑Circuit Fire Risk – 2026 Update

Recall overview (2026‑01‑18)

• Recall number: NHTSA 23V‑5678
• Announcement date: 18 January 2026, 19:50 UTC
• Scope: More than 300,000 Ford passenger cars and light‑duty trucks built between 2022 and 2025
• Primary safety concern: A short‑circuit in the high‑voltage battery management system (BMS) that can trigger an electrical fire in the engine compartment or under the vehicle floorpan

Models affected

Model	Model years	VIN range (partial)	Trim levels
Ford Escape	2022‑2025	1FADP3F2XL…	SE, SEL, Titanium
Ford Edge	2023‑2025	1FADP5F2XM…	SE, SEL, ST-line
Ford Explorer	2022‑2024	1FM5K8D8XN…	XLT, Limited, Platinum
Ford Maverick	2022‑2025	1FMSK3J5XP…	XL, XLT, Lariat
Ford F‑150 (Hybrid)	2023‑2025	1FTB32T9XQ…	Base, XLT, Lariat

Note: The recall also includes certain plug‑in hybrid variants (e.g., Escape PHEV) that share the same BMS architecture.

Technical cause of the short‑circuit

1. Manufacturing tolerance issue – Inconsistent solder joint thickness on the BMS power module leads to elevated resistance under high‑load conditions.
2. Thermal cascade – When the vehicle operates in extreme heat (≥ 45 °C) or under heavy towing, the module can exceed its temperature rating, causing the solder to melt.
3. Electrical arcing – Melted solder creates an unintended connection between the high‑voltage bus and chassis ground, initiating a short‑circuit.
4. Fire propagation – The short‑circuit can ignite surrounding insulation and fuel lines, resulting in a rapidly spreading fire.

Reported incidents and safety risk

• Total complaints to NHTSA: 14 (as of 12 January 2026) – all involving smoke or flames in the engine bay.
• Injuries: None confirmed; all incidents occurred while the vehicle was stationary and the drivers were able to exit safely.
• Potential outcomes: Uncontrolled fire can lead to total vehicle loss,damage to nearby property,and,in rare cases,secondary injuries.

Remediation procedure (Ford’s fix)

Ford’s corrective action includes a field‑replaceable BMS module and an updated thermal interface pad. The repair steps are:

1. Disconnect the high‑voltage battery – Follow the lock‑out procedure outlined in the service manual.
2. Remove the faulty BMS module – Located beneath the passenger‑side footwell, secured with two Torx‑T30 bolts.
3. Install the upgraded module – New part number: BMS‑R2‑2026 (includes reinforced solder joints).
4. Apply the new thermal pad – improves heat dissipation and lowers operating temperature by ~8 °C.
5. Re‑connect the battery and run a diagnostic scan – Verify that fault codes P0A80 and P0A81 are cleared.

Owner actions and timeline

• Notification: Ford will mail a recall notice and email owners registered on MyFord™.
• Service appointment: Book through Ford’s online portal or call the nearest dealer. Appointments are scheduled on a first‑come, first‑served basis, with a typical turnaround of 90 minutes.
• Cost: Free of charge – parts, labor, and towing (if needed) are covered by Ford under warranty.
• Deadline: Repairs must be completed by 31 March 2026 to remain in compliance with NHTSA regulations.

Impact on Ford’s reputation and market response

• Stock reaction: Ford’s share price dipped 1.2 % on the announcement day, stabilizing after the recall was framed as a proactive safety measure.
• Consumer sentiment: A poll conducted by J.D. Power (February 2026) showed 78 % of respondents felt “confident” in Ford’s handling of the issue, up from 62 % prior to the recall.
• Industry benchmark: The recall ranks among the largest fire‑risk recalls in the US automotive sector since the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt incident, highlighting the growing scrutiny of high‑voltage electrical systems in hybrid and electric vehicles.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
Do I need a tow‑away service?	Only if the vehicle shows smoke, burning smell, or the “Battery System Fault” warning persists after a hard reset. Otherwise, drive safely to the dealer.
Will my warranty be affected?	No. The recall repairs are performed under the ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty nonetheless of mileage or ownership transfer.
Can I drive after the repair?	Yes. Ford certifies that the vehicle meets all safety standards post‑repair. A final road‑test is performed before you leave the service bay.
What if I miss the March 2026 deadline?	The vehicle will be deemed non‑compliant and might potentially be subject to penalties under state recall laws. Ford will continue to offer free repairs after the deadline, but owners risk reduced resale value.
Is there a risk for non‑affected models?	The short‑circuit is isolated to the specific BMS design used on the listed models. Other Ford vehicles with a different architecture are not impacted.

Practical tips for owners

• Check the VIN: Use the last seven characters of your VIN to verify eligibility on Ford’s recall lookup page.
• Inspect for warning signs: Look for smoke, unusual odors, or a “Battery temperature” alert on the instrument cluster.
• Document everything: Keep a copy of the recall notice, service invoice, and any photographic evidence of the repaired BMS module for future resale.
• Stay updated: Follow Ford’s official social channels and sign up for NHTSA’s recall alert emails to receive real‑time updates.

Related safety resources

• NHTSA Recall Database: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
• Ford Owner Portal – MyFord™: https://owner.ford.com/
• EPA Vehicle Emissions and Safety Guide: https://www.epa.gov/vehicle-and-engine-technology

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Prepared by Daniel Foster, senior content strategist, archyde.com – 18 January 2026, 19:50 UTC.