Ford Recalls 8,650 2022 Maverick Hybrids Over Battery Cable
Ford is recalling 8,650 2022 Maverick hybrid trucks because a loose 12V battery cable can cut power steering, brakes or drive power. Repairs are free.
Ford is recalling 8,650 of its 2022 Maverick hybrid trucks because the positive terminal on the 12V battery cable can come loose or detach. A loose cable can knock out electrical systems or cut drive power, which raises the risk of a crash, according to documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Ford says it is unaware of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem. Dealers will replace the 12V battery cable at no cost to owners, and notification letters begin going out Nov. 23.
What can go wrong with the cable
When the positive terminal on the 12V cable loosens or separates, the truck can lose electrical systems. NHTSA documents list power steering assist, power brake assist and exterior lighting among them. The truck can also lose drive power.
The loss of steering and braking assist and of lighting is the reason the filing links the defect to crash risk. Ford has not reported a crash or injury tied to it so far.
Warnings drivers may see
According to NHTSA documents, drivers may notice a message on the instrument cluster. The warnings can include:
- a “Stop Safely Now” message
- a Powertrain Malfunction or Reduced Power message
- a Shift System Fault message
- a red battery icon
- the Check Engine, wrench and ABS lamps
What this means for Maverick hybrid owners
The recall covers only the 2022 Maverick hybrid, 8,650 trucks in all. Owners of affected trucks will receive a letter starting Nov. 23. The repair, a replacement of the 12V battery cable, costs owners nothing when done at a franchised dealer.
Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) covered by the recall can be searched on the NHTSA website. A VIN is the unique code that identifies each vehicle, and owners can enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether their truck has an open recall. Ford customer service can be reached at 1-866-436-7332 for more information.
What to watch
Letters to owners start Nov. 23, so trucks in the recall population have not all been notified yet. Until a truck is repaired, the warning messages listed above are what Ford says drivers may see if the cable works loose. Ford says it knows of no crashes or injuries from the defect so far.
Source: YAHOO!
