Ford recalls 950 electric F-150 Lightning trucks over fire risk

Ford is recalling approximately 950 of its electric F-150 Lightning pickup trucks due to concerns over potentially defective battery cells that could short circuit, posing a fire risk.

This recall affects models manufactured between 2022 and 2024 and stems from an issue related to misaligned electrodes caused by a supplier’s manufacturing problem, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In a statement, Ford confirmed it is aware of five reports of fires possibly linked to this issue, as well as at least one related injury. These incidents are presently under investigation, raising safety concerns among electric vehicle owners.

Ford has assigned reference number 25S18 to this recall

The company is urging affected owners to limit their vehicle’s battery charge to 80% until an inspection can be conducted at authorized dealerships.

Ford will notify affected owners via mail on March 17 and has set up a dedicated customer service line, 1-866-436-7332, for any inquiries. Inspections and potential battery replacements will be carried out at no cost to the vehicle owners.

Ford has assigned reference number 25S18 to this recall, ensuring that owners can communicate effectively concerning the ongoing issues.

This is not an isolated case in the electric vehicle industry; there have been numerous similar recalls from other manufacturers. Recently, Mercedes-Benz recalled over 7,000 EQB crossovers due to a comparable battery issue, while Jaguar’s buyback of nearly 3,000 I-Pace models highlights ongoing concerns in the sector regarding battery safety.

Chevrolet also faced a significant recall affecting all Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models due to battery-pack risks.

Overall, these incidents emphasize the importance of stringent quality control measures in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market, as automakers navigate the complexities of new technology and battery production.