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If you drive a Ford Escape plug‑in hybrid or a Lincoln Corsair plug‑in hybrid, there’s a new recall you’ll want to know about. Ford is pulling more than 24,000 vehicles off the road because of a battery problem that could cause the car to shut down while driving. Not ideal when you’re just trying to get to work, school, or anywhere that isn’t the side of the road.
Ford says the problem comes from a manufacturing defect inside one or more high‑voltage battery cells. That defect can cause an internal short circuit, which may lead to battery failure. If that happens while you’re driving, the car’s propulsion system shuts off and flashes a red “Stop Safely Now” message.
The good news? As of February 2026, Ford says there haven’t been any reports of crashes or fires tied to this issue.
Which Models Are Affected?
Two plug‑in hybrid models are included:
- 2023–2025 Ford Escape PHEV
- 2023–2026 Lincoln Corsair PHEV
That’s 17,345 Escapes and 7,345 Corsairs — all equipped with 2.5L PHEV engines and high‑voltage battery cells.
This recall also expands on a similar one from late 2025, which affected more than 20,000 vehicles for the same problem.
What Drivers Should Do Right Now
Ford is still working on a permanent fix, but in the meantime, they’re asking drivers to:
- Use Auto EV mode only
- Charge the battery to no more than 80%
Letters will start going out around March 6, with more updates once the repair is ready. If you want to talk to someone directly, Ford’s customer service line is 1‑866‑436‑7332. Reference recall number 25SC4.
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