The NHTSA recently announced that Ford is recalling thousands of their vehicles over a fire risk that the cars pose.
When it comes to prolific auto makers, some recalls now and then are to be expected. Ford is one of the larger automotive manufacturers in the United States, so it’s no surprise that these vehicles have safety issues every once in a while. But lately there have been more and more Ford recalls, and this week there’s another one. According to a recall report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), close to five thousand Ford vehicles pose a fire risk.
Why Is Ford Recalling These Vehicles?
According to the NHTSA report, the vehicles in question have problems in their battery junction boxes. The report explains that “a short circuit within the battery junction box can cause an engine fire while driving or parked.” Vehicle fires are a threat that must be taken seriously. The NHTSA warns that “a vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.” This particular threat feels doubly scary because short circuits can happen even while your car is parked. Be as careful as possible when operating your Ford vehicle until you’ve confirmed that it poses no danger to yourself, your loved ones or other drivers on the road.
Which Ford Vehicles Pose a Fire Risk?
Per the NHTSA report, nearly 5,000 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles pose a fire risk. If you own one of these cars, keep an eye on your mailbox for your owner’s letter. The automotive company says that they’re mailing out the letters in late September 2025. You can also search your car’s vehicle identification numbers (VIN) on the NHTSA site.
Until you know your vehicle is safe, either because it’s exempt from the recall or you’ve had it repaired, exercise extreme caution around it. The NHTSA suggests that impacted owners should “park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles, until the remedy is performed.”
Is There a Fix?
According to Ford, “dealers will inspect and replace the battery junction box, as necessary, and remove a ground wire. On models equipped with standard-duty radiator fan motors, dealers will also install an auxiliary electrical box with a wire jumper.” As is standard practice in this type of situation, the dealers will perform these repairs free of charge.
If you have further questions, you can reach Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s numbers for this recall are 22S36 and 22S48 and the NHTSA number for this recall is 25V628000.
Source
Engine Compartment Fire, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2025.
