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Ford Motor Company is recalling over 270,000 vehicles due to concerns over battery failure. The recall affects certain 2021-2023 Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022-2023 Maverick pickup trucks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 12-volt batteries in these vehicles, manufactured by Camel Battery of China, may experience degradation and suddenly fail. This failure can lead to a loss of electrical accessories, including hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The affected vehicles were produced between February 2021 and October 2023, when Ford stopped using the specific batteries. The defects are believed to affect only 1% of the vehicles equipped with these batteries. Ford has stated that the issue is due to a supplier manufacturing defect.
NBC News reports that owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out around February 3. Owners are advised to have their vehicles inspected, and if necessary, dealers will replace the 12-volt battery free of charge.
According to WSAZ, there have been no reports of accidents, fires, or injuries related to the battery issue. Ford has pledged to review and improve its recall decision-making process and will be monitored by an independent third party for three years following a U.S. government fine for a previous recall delay.