Ford Recalls 272,827 Vehicles Over Battery Failure Risks

BANGKOK (AP) — Ford Motor Co. is recalling 272,827 Broncos and Mavericks in the U.S. due to a power problem that can cause vehicles to stop unexpectedly or fail to start, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Thursday. The issue stems from defective 12-volt batteries manufactured by Camel Battery of China, which have internal manufacturing defects, including weld failures that can cause open circuits.

The recall affects certain 2021-2023 Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022-2023 Maverick pickups. Ford stopped using the problematic batteries in October 2023. The NHTSA said the defects are believed to impact only 1% of the vehicles equipped with these batteries. No accidents, fires, or injuries have been reported due to the issue.

In a statement, the NHTSA explained that the battery degradation could lead to a sudden loss of electrical accessories, including hazard lights, or cause a complete loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the 12-volt batteries free of charge. Additionally, Ford will implement software updates to improve detection of battery problems and provide warnings to drivers.

This recall follows a previous one in November, when Ford was fined by the U.S. government for moving too slowly on an earlier recall. The company agreed to review and improve its recall decision-making process and submit to monitoring by an independent third party for three years.

Ford has faced scrutiny in recent years over its handling of recalls. The automaker has pledged to address safety concerns more promptly and transparently moving forward.