Ford has issued a recall for Kuga plug-in hybrid vehicles due to a potential battery short circuit risk. The company has urged owners to refrain from charging the battery until a solution is implemented and has suggested using the vehicle in ‘Auto EV’ mode, which relies on petrol power.
The problem impacts all current-generation Ford Kuga plug-in hybrids equipped with the 2.5-liter petrol engine. Although the same system is utilized in the Ford Transit PHEV van, Ford has clarified that the charging issue is exclusive to the Kuga model.
Ford has stated that the company engineers are actively developing a resolution, which is expected to be available during the second quarter of the year. Once ready, owners will be notified through letters. The fix will involve a software update, but since it cannot be deployed via an over-the-air update, owners will need to visit a dealership to have it installed.
Ford cautions that drivers might receive a ‘Stop Safely Now’ alert alongside a warning light on the dashboard, indicating that while steering and braking remain functional, the drivetrain may lose power during driving.
Ford will address the plug-in hybrid issue at no cost, but there are no plans for owner compensation in the meantime. A representative told Auto Express that customers can reach out to the customer service team for any assistance.
The Kuga has faced recalls before, with the plug-in hybrid model recalled in August 2020 over battery safety issues. Some owners reported that faulty batteries occasionally overheated during charging, which in rare cases led to fires.
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