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Ford Escape Phev Recall 26V091: Battery cell defect can cause loss of power or fire

NHTSA campaign 26V091, reported February 17, 2026, 25,237 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

A manufacturing defect in one or more high voltage battery cells can cause an internal short circuit and battery failure in these plug-in hybrid vehicles. Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, which raises the risk of a crash, and it can also increase the risk of a fire.

Until the repair is done, owners are advised to drive only in "Auto EV" mode. Owners will also be instructed by mail to limit the maximum charge of the battery until the remedy has been completed. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2026.

The remedy is a free software update to the battery energy control module and hybrid powertrain control module, performed by an authorized dealer. To check whether your vehicle is included, look up your VIN for open recalls on NHTSA.gov, or contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 (Ford recall number 25SC4).

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 26V091Ford Motor Company
Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Ford Escape and 2023-2026 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Risk
Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will update the battery energy control module (BECM) and hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM) software, free of charge. Owners are advised to only use "Auto EV" mode and will be instructed by mail to limit the maximum charge of the battery until the remedy has been completed. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SC4. This recall expands previous recall numbers 24V954 and 25V489. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 18, 2026.

Affected vehicles

Ford Escape Phev20222023202420252026
Lincoln Corsair Phev2023202420252026