FORD's failure to fix the ESCAPE PHEV is a problem for me. Trust FORD?

[chl]

Thanks for that info.

Not only do I think Ford needs to address the root issue and replace all suspect batteries like Chevy did with the Bolts, they need to compensate owners for loss of value.

Short answer. No I can’t trust Ford with the Fathom. Their actions, or more specifically inaction, speaks louder than anything they say.

I think Ford should replace the batteries, but only if defective, I agree with that.

Ford determined/estimated that only about 1% of vehicles are affected, the new software will trigger a replacement under warranty if the defect is detected, and replacing every battery when only a small number are affected would be wasteful and there is not a sufficient supply to do that.

Ford is compensating owners for the reduction in range with extended warranties until the batteries need replacing.

It may not be what you want, but it was a business decision with tradeoffs, a compromise if you will.

 

[gzebrick]

The ginsl fix is to PERMANENTLY reduce the charge capacity for the Escspe PHEV by about 20 % while changing the display to now show 100% instead of the old 80% plus add monitor software to flag battery issues.

Ford must think everyone is stupid.

Saying you can now charge up to o 100% while the new limit is just the old 80% is f&)&ing insulting.

Like Chevy with the Bolts, ford owns this issue, not the supplier.

… and just to make it worse, I think to date only 3 PHEVs have had battery failure. But the fix screw everyone.

Waiting for the class action lawsuit

I’ll note the Ford rep on this forum hasn’t chimed in.

 

[joekuga]

I read that it affects somewhere around 20,000 vehicles, that it is the HVB made by Samsung (not Ford) and the temporary fix is to keep the thing from catching fire until you can have a complete battery replacement.

Also it affected Jeep, Audi and Ford PEVs which used the Samsung batteries. So it wasn't just Ford and putting all the blame Ford seems inappropriate.

There were a handful (950) of F-150 Lightnings with a similar internal problem made by a different manufacturer, CATL, and same recommendations 80% until bad battery modules could be replaced, there were even some fires (5) before the defect was identified.

Ford issued Safety Recall 25S18 (NHTSA Campaign 25V131) for approximately 950 vehicles built between March 16, 2022, and August 14, 2024....The Remedy: Dealers will inspect the high-voltage battery array and replace affected battery modules or the entire battery pack free of charge.

Like others have said, LFP batteries that will be in the Fathom are far less prone to thermal runaway/fires.

On the other hand, there are plenty of car and truck fires due to gasoline leaks, 12v battery shorts, etc., from any and all manufacturers.

Cars are a conglomeration of parts made by a diverse manufacturing base, and nothing is perfect, which is why there is product liability laws and warranties, etc.

Not trusting Ford for thinks like the 'theft' of the intermittent windshield wiper, the Pinto, the Explorer tip-overs, etc. may be warranted because they did not accept responsibility right away and litigation forced them to, but that is not the case with the Samsung batteries, or the F-150 Lightning battery issues - Ford acted immediately to remedy the issue at no charge to the owners and without anyone having to sue them.

So maybe someone at Ford has a better idea nowadays?

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Look at all the vehicles by all the different manufacturers that used Takata air bags.
Are they to blame or is Takata?

Yeah it is strange, I would expect all lights to be green for a hardware solution. Especially given the strong words in the recall notifications; danger, personal liability etc.

Our battery and every other EV battery is a modular design. Such a module can be checked for errors and replaced so the entire battery is not required like 2022 (that was the busbar welding)

And you are right, it is not Ford's or any other OEM's problem. This is a Samsung problem, they are accountable as far as we can see.

For all those with an interest in history: https://brickheed.substack.com/p/ralph-nader-and-the-discipline-of