Beginning in October of 2024, Ford is recalling selected 2024 Ford Explorers with 3.3L hybrid engines due to an increased risk of a short circuit from the 12 volt battery cable. This short circuit causes an increased risk of fires in the engine compartment, along with other potential electric faults in the car’s system.
Ford states that the recall affects 61 vehicles built by their Chicago Assembly Plant between May 1, 2023 and March 28, 2024, and is taking steps to rectify the issue now that is has been identified.
If the dealerships prove to be unsuccessful in their attempts, and Ford cannot completely repair the vehicles, they may be declared to be lemons, which will impose further legal obligations on Ford to replace to repurchase the vehicles so that the owners are not left without recourse or with an unsafe car. The Lemon Law Guys can help you if your car cannot be repaired by the manufacturer and the manufacturer attempts to avoid their responsibilities to make you whole.
Details of the Ford Hybrid Recall
In the affected vehicles, the 12 volt battery cable may rub against the Belt-integrated Stater Generator (BiSG), which may cause short-circuiting and lead to fires in the engine compartment. Ford is recalling specific vehicles, produced by their Chicago Assembly Plant, and states that 61 vehicles are covered by this recall notice; the vehicles are Ford Explorers with 3.3L hybrid engines which were manufactured between May 1, 2023 and March 28, 2024. Currently, there are no other vehicles or engine types involved in the recall, although that may change at a later date.
Ford began notifying customers of the recall on October 21, 2024, using reference number 24S61. Customers with vehicles covered under the recall notice will have a tie strap installed between the battery cable and the high-voltage cables at no expense after bringing the vehicle to a dealer. If this does not resolve the issue with the affected vehicles, Ford will likely propose another solution for the dealers to attempt. Further failures could lead to the determination that the cars are lemons.
Why Short Circuits Are a Serious Concern in Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles have two battery systems – a 12-volt battery to run accessories such as interior lights and a high-voltage system that provides power to the engine. The high-voltage battery typically produces approximately 300 volts of electricity, which is much higher than the amount produced by the 12-volt battery.
If a 12-volt battery shorts, the battery itself might cease to work, requiring replacement with a new battery, but it is unlikely that such a short will cause serious issues with the car. It will likely not start until the battery is replaced, or the internal instruments might not work, such as dome lights or the instrument panel, but the safety concerns are likely to be negligible.
If a high-voltage battery shorts, it carries enough electricity to start a fire, especially in a fuel-rich environment such as an engine. It can also cause electrical damage to other parts of the vehicle, including the steering, brake system, and engine, if the short sends an irregular current through the vehicle.
Ford’s recall addresses the immediate safety concerns involved in the potential short-circuit, but there might be other reliability concerns caused by the defect that will not become apparent right away, especially if there is already significant wear and tear caused by small shorts in the high volt battery system.
Understanding When a Vehicle Becomes a “Lemon” Under California Law
California has strict consumer protections regarding “lemon” vehicles. Under California statutes, a “lemon” is a vehicle with serious warranty defects that, after multiple attempts, the manufacturer cannot repair. Vehicles that are determined to be lemons may be eligible for repurchase or replacement by the manufacturer.
Some of the issues covered under lemon laws are those that cause risk of serious bodily harm or death, including safety issues such as potential electrical fires. Under California law, a manufacturer generally has two opportunities to fix such issues before the car can be declared a lemon. Other, less serious issues can be given four repair attempts before lemon status is determined.
Once a vehicle has been declared a lemon, the manufacturer is obligated by California’s Lemon Law to make it right with the consumer, whether that means replacing the vehicle or buying it back from the owner. If the manufacturer fails to do so, then legal steps can be taken, typically beginning with an arbitration meeting and possibly escalating into a court case. It is important to know your rights if you believe your car may be a lemon.
Steps to Take if the Ford Recall Does Not Resolve the Issue
If your vehicle is affected by the recall, you should keep a record of the entire process. This includes all communications from Ford, including the original recall notice, all paperwork from the dealer regarding the repair attempt, especially if it requires further attempts, and any other mechanical issues experienced by the car. You should also keep maintenance records so that, if needed, you can prove that the vehicle has received regular upkeep, and any problems are not caused by neglect.
If the dealer does adequately address the defect in the battery cables, or if the problem recurs, seek legal counsel to advise you of your next steps. If you do seek legal advice, it will be important to have copies of the documentation surrounding the recall defect and the steps that have been taken to address it.
Ensuring Safety and Consumer Rights
Recalls, while concerning, are a normal part of the process of maintaining safe vehicles. It is essential that flaws and faults be identified and corrected by manufacturers to ensure that vehicles are as safe as possible for consumers.
If Ford recall 24S61 causes ongoing issues and results in your vehicle being confirmed as a lemon, you have the right to seek legal recourse and ensure that you have a safe vehicle to drive.Please contact Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys for a consultation on your situation and to received assistance with lemon law claims.
