More Ford and Lincoln Hybrids Recalled for Fire Risk

Jan 04, 2024

Today's announcement follows an earlier recall that didn't fix the issue

Ford is recalling over 125,000 Maverick Hybrid pickup trucks, Ford Escape Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid SUVs, and Lincoln Corsair Plug-in Hybrid SUVs because they may catch fire while driving. A fix is not yet available.

The problem has to do with defective gasoline engines that may fail prematurely. When this happens, the electric part of the hybrid powertrain may continue to keep the vehicle in motion as oil and/or fuel vapor builds up, which could cause a fire under the hood. If drivers of these vehicles hear unexpected engine noises such as a loud "clank" of metal hitting metal, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke, they should park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible, according to Ford.

Some of these vehicles were also recalled for a similar problem in 2022, and they will need to visit a Ford or Lincoln dealership for another free fix as soon as it becomes available.

According to documents Ford provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 23 vehicles caught fire before the initial recall, and three additional vehicles caught fire after the automaker issued a recall and attempted to address underlying manufacturing issues. Ford says there have been no reports of crashes or injuries related to the recall.

Photo: Ford Photo: Ford

Vehicles Recalled

2020-2023 Ford Escape Hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) built between Jan. 1, 2019, and May 23, 2023

2022-2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid pickup trucks build between Feb. 3, 2021, and May 18, 2023

2021-2023 Lincoln Corsair PHEVs built between Oct. 24, 2019, and May 11, 2023

The problem: Due to a manufacturing error, the crankshaft bearing in the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines installed in these vehicles may fail prematurely and cause a breach of the engine block or oil pan. If this happens, oil and/or fuel vapor may continue to build up in the engine even after an engine failure, as the hybrid powertrain's electric portion may continue to keep the vehicle in motion, which could cause a fire.

A previous attempt at addressing the recall issue and manufacturing error did not prevent the fires from occurring, although Ford says there have not been any reports of engine block or oil pan breaches on engines built on or before Sept. 1, 2022.

The fix: There is currently no fix available for this issue. Ford and Lincoln will contact owners by first-class mail as soon as a fix is available.

How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may contact Ford at 866-436-7332.

NHTSA campaign number: 23V380. Ford's own number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V484.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA's website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.

If you plug your car's 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA's website and a recall doesn't appear, it means your vehicle doesn't currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.

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Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master's degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on Twitter @itskeithbarry.