Tag Archives: battery fire

Jaguar I-Pace EV Fire Risk When Parked

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Jaguar I-PaceIn a recent development, owners of 2019 Jaguar I-Pace vehicles are being urged to take immediate action due to a critical safety concern that could potentially lead to vehicle fires. The issue revolves around battery packs manufactured within a specific time frame, which have been identified as prone to technical faults, posing a significant risk of thermal overload.

The affected battery packs, produced between March 1, 2018, and May 31, 2018, have exhibited several technical deficiencies that increase the likelihood of short circuits within the battery cells. These short circuits generate excessive heat, particularly when the battery state of charge exceeds approximately 85%, ultimately triggering a thermal overload condition.

While some vehicles have undergone modifications through a previous safety recall (H441), mitigating the risk to some extent, Jaguar is ensuring the safety of all potentially affected vehicles and a new safety recall, identified as H484, has been initiated to address this critical issue.

The ramifications of a vehicle thermal overload event, such as fire or smoke, are severe and pose significant risks to occupants and bystanders alike. Occupant injury, damage to property, and even injury to persons outside the vehicle are potential outcomes of such incidents, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue promptly and comprehensively.

In response to this safety concern, Jaguar has outlined interim measures for affected vehicle owners to mitigate the risk until a permanent solution is implemented. Owners are advised to park and charge their vehicles outdoors, away from structures, and to limit charging to a maximum of 75% state of charge. These precautions aim to minimize the risk of thermal overload incidents until the necessary repairs are completed.

Notification letters are scheduled to be dispatched to affected owners starting April 26, 2024. The recall process, identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number 24V-183, aims to rectify the underlying issue and ensure the safety and peace of mind of Jaguar I-Pace owners.

It’s imperative for owners of 2019 Jaguar I-Pace vehicles to heed this safety warning and comply with the manufacturer’s instructions promptly. Failure to address this issue in a timely manner could potentially lead to catastrophic consequences. Additionally, owners are encouraged to stay informed about further developments regarding the recall and to take appropriate action as advised by Jaguar and regulatory authorities.

NOTE: This recent safety recall, identified by NHTSA Recall Number 24V-183, is not the first instance where concerns regarding the same problem have been raised. Previous recalls, such as, NHTSA Recall Numbers 24V-085, 23V-709, and 23V-369, have also addressed issues related to thermal overload and potential fire hazards in Jaguar I-Pace vehicles. These recalls underscore the seriousness of the underlying technical issues and the manufacturer’s ongoing efforts to rectify them. Owners should be vigilant and proactive in responding to these recalls to ensure the safety and integrity of their vehicles.

Honda’s CR-V Hybrid Battery Cable Safety Issue

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Honda has announced a safety recall for certain 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles due to a critical issue concerning the 12-Volt battery cable. This recall comes after a detailed investigation into the safety of these vehicles, revealing a potential risk that could increase during specific types of crashes.

The identified problem lies in the routing of the 12-Volt battery cable, which is situated outside of the body frame and lacks a fuse on the power circuit. This design flaw could lead to the battery cable short-circuiting or overheating, particularly in the event of a crash impacting the left front fender area. Such a scenario raises significant concerns about the possibility of a fire and the risk of injury to the occupants.

Chronology of Events Leading to the Recall

  • May 17, 2021: The first known incident occurs, where a crash led to a short circuit in the battery cables located in the left front fender.
  • May 19, 2021: Honda receives a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about this incident.
  • May 28, 2021: Honda collaborates with the NHTSA to inspect the affected vehicle and analyze the issue.
  • August 18, 2021: After discussing the first incident with NHTSA, Honda initially concludes that there are no high-voltage related issues or similar complaints.
  • September 16, 2021: Honda conducts further tests to analyze the issue.
  • October 21, 2021: Honda’s evaluation suggests that the crash angle in the first incident was a rare occurrence.
  • June 13, 2022: Honda starts implementing a fuse in production models to address this potential issue.
  • August 18, 2022: A second incident under similar circumstances prompts another analysis by Honda.
  • August 29, 2023: Honda receives a warranty claim possibly related to the same issue.
  • October 30, 2023: Honda reassesses its stance on the rarity of such occurrences and the likelihood of future incidents.
  • December 6, 2023: Honda acknowledges a defect related to vehicle safety and decides to initiate a recall.

The Recall Process

Honda, adhering to its commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, has decided to recall the affected vehicles. Registered owners will be notified via mail to bring their vehicles to an authorized Honda dealer. Here, the battery cable will be replaced with an improved part that addresses the identified safety concern. Honda’s internal number for this recall is FGB, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-844.

Safety and Customer Support

From August 2019 through December 6, 2023, Honda has recorded two warranty claims related to this issue, with no reports of injuries or fatalities. This proactive recall demonstrates Honda’s dedication to the safety of its customers and its responsiveness to potential safety issues. Vehicle owners are encouraged to respond promptly to the recall notice to ensure their safety and the continued reliability of their vehicles.

2023 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Fire Risk

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A small number of 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) have encountered a significant safety issue, prompting concerns and a recall. A flaw in the battery system could potentially lead to vehicle fires, a risk that poses a serious threat to both vehicle occupants and property.

At the core of the problem is an off-location 12V isolator post in some of these vehicles. This defect may cause a short circuit in the 12V battery positive (“B+”) circuit, leading to a vehicle fire, regardless of whether the ignition is on or off. The gravity of this issue is evident, as vehicle fires can significantly increase the risk of injury to both the occupants and bystanders, as well as cause extensive property damage.

In response to this discovery, FCA US (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles United States) has initiated a voluntary safety recall for all affected Chrysler Pacifica PHEV models. This recall, identified as B0A by FCA US and 23V-753 in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign, aims to address this critical issue.

It’s important to note that the recall stems not from a defective part, but rather from an assembly issue. Specifically, the vehicles in question may have been built with a 12V anti-rotation stud that is incorrectly positioned. The solution involves modifying the isolator to correctly fit this anti-rotation stud, thereby mitigating the risk of a short circuit and subsequent fire.

In the meantime, owners of the affected vehicles are strongly advised to take precautionary measures. FCA US recommends that these vehicles should not be parked inside buildings, structures, or near other vehicles. The reason for this guidance is clear: to minimize the risk of fire spreading and causing further damage and potential injuries. Owners are encouraged to park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures until the necessary repairs are completed.

This recall and the associated risks highlight the complexities and potential dangers inherent in modern automotive technologies, particularly in hybrid and electric vehicles. While these technologies offer numerous benefits, including environmental advantages, they also introduce new challenges in terms of vehicle safety and reliability.

The Chrysler Pacifica PHEV’s recall serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent quality control and thorough testing in vehicle manufacturing. It also underscores the need for quick and decisive action by manufacturers and regulatory bodies when potential safety issues are identified, ensuring the safety and well-being of vehicle users and the general public.

2019-2023 Jaguar I-PACE Potential Fire From Overheating Battery

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Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is taking steps to address a potential safety concern involving certain 2019-2023 I-PACE vehicles. These vehicles were previously subject to recall 23V-369, but the earlier repairs may not have been executed correctly. This oversight could still leave the high-voltage battery at risk of overheating, potentially posing significant safety hazards.

Jaguar became aware of this issue in September 2023, triggered by a field report regarding a thermal overload incident in a vehicle that had previously undergone repairs as part of a prior recall (H441). An in-depth investigation into the matter revealed that the recall action for H441 had been mishandled by a retailer. In particular, the retailer had used an unauthorized service diagnostic tool, leading to the incorrect installation of essential software on the vehicle in question. Consequently, the safety defect persisted, even though the retailer had reported that the safety recall had been successfully completed.

This situation creates a lingering safety risk for affected vehicle owners. An improperly repaired vehicle continues to be vulnerable to conditions like thermal overload, which can result in potential fire or smoke issues. Such incidents can not only jeopardize the safety of vehicle occupants but also pose risks to individuals outside the vehicle and may cause property damage. What’s even more concerning is that the owners may remain unaware that the previous repair was not carried out correctly.

Fortunately, Jaguar is taking action to rectify the situation. Dealers will address the issue by updating the battery energy control module software, ensuring that the vehicles are brought up to the necessary safety standards. In the meantime, owners are strongly advised to park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures, as well as to charge them in the open until the recall repair is completed. This precautionary measure should be adhered to for 30 days after the repair has been finalized.

To help facilitate this important safety recall, Jaguar has assigned it the reference number H459, and it has been officially registered with the NHTSA under campaign number 23V-709.

Ford Mustang Mach E Battery Contactor Could Overheat

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Certain 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E cars might face a power problem due to an overheated high voltage battery contactor, potentially leading to an increased risk of accidents.

In June 2022, Ford’s Field Review Committee (FRC) gave the green light to a Field Service Action (FSA) named 22S41, specifically designed to tackle concerns regarding the overheating of the high voltage battery main contactor in select 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. To fix this issue, dealers updated the software for the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module (SOBDMC) and the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). The enhanced SOBDMC software keeps an eye on the contactor’s temperature and smartly reduces the battery’s power output to prevent further damage. Meanwhile, the upgraded BECM software checks the contactor’s resistance to identify any damage, then it generates a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and lowers the vehicle’s power to avoid more harm.

At the time of approving this FSA, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) and Electrical Propulsion Engineering (EPE) teams found the software updates for BECM and SOBDMC to be a suitable way to minimize the safety risks linked to power loss. The software update, by monitoring contactor resistance, warns customers if the resistance exceeds a certain limit. Alongside the warning, the software reduces power to prevent further contactor damage and the associated power loss risk. Even with the reduced power, customers can safely accelerate to highway speeds. This approach was also reviewed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In June 2022, Ford Motor Company decided to issue a safety recall (NHTSA Recall 22V-412) for 48,924 model year 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles produced between May 27, 2020, and May 24, 2022. This recall was prompted by concerns about high voltage battery contactors overheating, primarily due to direct current (DC) fast-charging and repeated full-throttle pedal events. This overheating could lead to arcing or deformation of the electrical contact surfaces. If this occurs, the contactor could either remain open or get welded shut. An overheated contactor that opens while driving may lead to an immediate loss of power without re-engagement.

Following consumer complaints, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) initiated a Recall Query (RQ) for 2021-2022 Ford Mach-E vehicles included in Recall 22V-412. These vehicles had previously received a remedy involving a Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module (SOBDMC) software update to monitor contactor temperature and reduce battery power to protect the contactor, as well as a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) software update to monitor contactor resistance and reduce vehicle power in case of an overheated contactor.

To address this issue, dealers will replace the high voltage battery junction box. This recall is identified by Ford as 23S56, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 22V-687. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under recall 22V-412 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Battery Fire Risk in Certain Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer Vehicles

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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is taking action to address a safety concern with specific 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles that are equipped with 3.0L PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) engines. These vehicles may have a manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells, which could lead to an internal short circuit and a potential battery fire.

Discovery of the Issue

Ford became aware of this issue in June 2023 when they received a report regarding thermal venting problems with the PHEV battery used in these vehicles. The report highlighted a 2021 model year Transit Custom in France experiencing PHEV battery thermal venting. Subsequent analysis, conducted by the battery cell supplier, revealed an internal short circuit in the vehicle’s high voltage battery pack, partly due to the presence of a folded anode tab, which occurred during the cell manufacturing process.

Ongoing Investigation

The supplier’s investigation indicated that another, as yet unidentified, factor is necessary for the folded anode tab condition to lead to battery thermal venting. The supplier is actively conducting component-level testing to pinpoint this second factor. While this factor remains unknown, the Ford Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) has been working to identify the group of vehicles that may potentially have the cell folded anode tab condition.

Additional Incidents

Ford was aware of three more instances of cells with folded anode tabs in the field. These incidents involved a 2020 model year Aviator in the United States, resulting in PHEV battery thermal venting, another 2020 model year Aviator in the United States resulting in a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) but no battery thermal venting, and a 2020 model year Aviator in Canada, also resulting in an MIL but no battery thermal venting.

Preventive Measures

To address this issue, Ford has reviewed the cell supplier’s manufacturing process and made improvements during cell production to reduce the occurrence of the folded anode tab condition. The timing of these process enhancements has been used by the CCRG to determine the affected population of vehicles.

Recall Procedure

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified and requested to visit their authorized Ford dealers for a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test. If the test identifies a battery problem, the high voltage battery pack will be replaced at no cost to the owner. To check if your vehicle is part of this recall, refer to Ford’s recall number 23S53 and the NHTSA campaign number 23V-626.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Battery Problems Continue

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In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), the 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E gained significant attention for its sleek design and promising performance. However, beneath its exterior allure, a complex challenge emerged that put the spotlight on battery-related issues. In June 2022, Ford Motor Company took steps to issue a safety recall (NHTSA Recall 22V-412) for a range of Mustang Mach-E vehicles, acknowledging battery problems that had the potential to impact both safety and performance.

2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Battery Recall

The safety recall was prompted by concerns related to high voltage battery main contactors. These components, integral to the functioning of the vehicle’s battery system, were at risk of overheating. The primary culprits behind this issue were the effects of direct current (DC) fast-charging and frequent aggressive acceleration events, which placed excessive stress on these contactors. Overheating, led to arcing or deformation of the electrical contact surfaces. Perhaps the most alarming consequence was the potential for a contactor to remain open, resulting in a sudden loss of motive power during driving. This raised significant safety concerns due to the increased risk of accidents resulting from unexpected power loss.

The Office of Defects Investigation

The recall was further complicated by the involvement of the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Following the initial recall (22V-412) involving approximately 48,924 vehicles, the ODI received a series of consumer complaints. These complaints highlighted incidents of high voltage battery main contactor failures even after the prescribed remedy had been implemented. This indicated that the initial software updates, aimed at temperature monitoring and power reduction, might not have fully resolved the underlying issues. This discrepancy called into question the effectiveness of the initial recall and the adequacy of its remedy.

Ford’s Response

In response to the ongoing concerns, Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin TSB 23-2020 which focused on replacing the High Voltage Battery Junction Box (HVBJB) in the affected vehicles. The HVBJB is a crucial component that facilitates the connection between various parts of the high voltage battery system. Consumers who had experienced a loss of motive power post the initial recall were directed towards this bulletin. The bulletin aimed to ensure that the remedy for the contactor failures was comprehensive and addressed any lingering issues.

Addressing The Problem

The complexity of addressing battery-related problems in the 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E underscored the challenges of integrating advanced EV technology into mainstream vehicles. The initial recall and its subsequent developments shed light on the interplay between software solutions and hardware replacements. While software updates were intended to mitigate the risks, the need for a hardware replacement (HVBJB) became evident as consumer complaints persisted.

Conclusion

The battery problems encountered by the 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles served as a valuable lesson for both automakers and consumers in the evolving world of electric vehicles. The recall (22V-412), the Office of Defects Investigation’s involvement, and Ford’s multi-faceted response emphasized the importance of thorough and quick problem-solving in this rapidly advancing domain. As the automotive industry continues to innovate, experiences like these pave the way for safer and more reliable electric vehicles in the future.

2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Lemon Vehicle

If you find yourself grappling with persistent issues in your 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicle, the California Lemon Law can offer you a potential lifeline. Designed to protect consumers from purchasing or leasing defective vehicles, this law provides a pathway to relief if your vehicle is deemed a “lemon.” If your Mustang Mach-E experiences substantial defects that impair its use, safety, or value, and these issues persist despite a reasonable number of repair attempts within the vehicle’s warranty period, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price. The California Lemon Law serves as a crucial safeguard, empowering you to take decisive action to address your vehicle’s ongoing problems and helping you move forward with confidence.

Ford Fusion PHEV Battery Problem
Risk Of Stall Or Fire

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Ford Fusion with smoke from trunk

Certain Ford Fusion PHEV vehicles may experience damage to their Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) due to excessive voltage and current flow. This issue can lead to a loss of motive power and pose safety risks such as the possibility of a crash or a localized fire around the BECM. Ford is currently working on a fix for this safety issue.

Problem was first discovered in July 2022, when Ford’s Trend and Early Warning Support (TEWS) team alerted the Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) about five fire reports involving 2019 Fusion PHEV vehicles equipped with 30Ah high voltage batteries. These fires occurred while the vehicles were at dealerships during a replacement BECM service to address various issues like voltage sense Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), check engine light, no start, or loss of motive power concerns. Ford’s High Voltage Battery Systems Team conducted an analysis and determined that the fires originated from the BECM. Further examination by the supplier revealed that the Current Interrupt Device (CID) had been activated in the high voltage battery cells of the affected units, though the reason behind this activation remains unknown. Due to the rate and severity of the concern, Ford’s CCRG initiated an investigation.

In February 2023, Ford published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that advises replacing the high voltage battery if vehicles come in for service with one or more voltage sense DTCs, instead of just replacing the BECM. This measure aims to address the underlying issue and prevent further damage.

While a permanent remedy is under development, Ford urges owners not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is implemented. To ensure owners are aware of the safety risk, interim letters have been sent to them as of July 14, 2023. Second letters will follow once the remedy becomes available. This recall is identified as 23S33 by Ford, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-440.