2025 Ford Escape Phev

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Ford Escape and 2023-2026 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Risk. Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM) software, free of charge. Owners are advised to only use "Auto EV" mode and will be instructed by mail to limit the maximum charge of the battery until the remedy has been completed. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC4. This recall expands previous recall numbers 24V954 and 25V489. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 18, 2026.

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control independently activated. The brake pedal was depressed. In addition, the contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started. The vehicle was reset. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a lithium battery failure, and an unknown software update was performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while reversing, the intelligent cruise control independently activated. The contact stated that the cruise control reversed the vehicle at approximately 45 MPH. The brake pedal was depressed with extreme force, and the vehicle stopped. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet inspected. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60.

The digits no longer display on the speedometer gauge of the electronic dashboard. Digits on the high voltage battery discharge and charging gauge also do not display. Given those failures, I have concerns about warning lights that may not be working. The lack of proper speed indication increases the possibility of a collision. The lack of presence of the digits that are supposed to be there has been distracting and increases the possibility of a collision. Note: This seems to be the same or similar to a defect in the gas version of this model, for which there was a recall.

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V091000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the recall remedy would be available in August 2026. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Date: 3/7/2026 I am submitting this complaint regarding a potentially serious safety issue with my 2025 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid manufactured by Ford Motor Company. My vehicle began displaying multiple warning messages including “High Voltage Battery Warning,” “Powertrain Malfunction,” and “Service Engine Soon.” These warnings appeared while the vehicle was charging using a Level 2 charger, which raises significant concerns about the safety and reliability of the vehicle’s high-voltage electrical system. After these warnings appeared, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership for diagnosis and repair. The vehicle has now been in the repair shop for approximately 30 days, reportedly waiting on parts related to the high-voltage battery or powertrain system. This situation raises several concerns: The possibility of a defect in the high-voltage battery system. The potential for sudden loss of power or drivetrain failure. The risk associated with charging a vehicle that displays high-voltage battery warnings. Extended vehicle downtime due to the lack of available replacement parts. Given the critical safety implications of high-voltage battery systems in plug-in hybrid vehicles, I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate whether this issue represents a broader defect affecting other vehicles of the same model.