It's not just electric cars that have battery problems. Ford has 272,000 battery problems in newer gasoline cars that are now being recalled, it turns out.
Ford is recalling 272,817 Bronco Sport SUVs and Maverick pickup trucks, all built between 2021 and 2023, because the company has determined that the 12-volt batteries in the vehicles could fail.
The problem is caused by manufacturing defects in the batteries from supplier Camel EFB. The defects include problems with the battery's so-called Cast On Strap (COS) and weak spot welds inside the battery itself. These defects can lead to interruptions in the battery's circuit.
A battery failure can have various consequences. In some cases, it can cause certain electrical systems to not function properly or the car to have difficulty starting. In the worst case, it can lead to the engine, power steering and brake booster failing during a collision.
This isn't the first time Ford has recalled the Bronco Sport and Maverick due to battery issues. In April 2024, Ford recalled 456,565 units of the same vehicles because of a risk of battery failure.
At that time, the problem was due to incorrect calibration of the car's Body Control Module and Powertrain Control Module. The units could not register errors on the batteries. The problem was resolved with a software update.
This time, the recall requires a physical inspection of the battery. Ford dealers must examine the battery in all affected vehicles.
If the vehicle already has a Ford Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery, Ford does not believe that any further action is necessary. If not, your Ford dealer will replace the battery with an approved AGM battery.
The recall is a safety measure to prevent potentially dangerous situations that could occur as a result of sudden battery failure.
Ford is urging owners of the affected models to contact their local Ford dealer to schedule an appointment to have the battery checked as soon as possible. But as soon as possible doesn't always mean as soon as possible. Read more about it here .
