Ford first became aware of the current problem on September 24, 2024, after receiving an inquiry from the NHTSA Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) related to 19 vehicle owners alleging a loss of driving power after receiving a repair from the prior recall.
On November 15, the ODI initiated a recall query to address the concern. Subsequently, from November through January 2025, the Low Voltage Power Supply team carried out an engineering evaluation of the returned defective batteries.
The team determined that vehicles repaired under the previous recall were equipped with Enhanced Flooded Batteries supplied by Camel and Clarios. However, some of the Camel batteries have failed cast-on straps and internal welding issues. These defects can lead to open circuits and battery failure. Ford has not identified any problems with the batteries supplied by Clarios.
According to the recall report (PDF), the software released as part of the earlier recall was unable to detect certain electrical signatures from failed batteries and did not disable the stop/start functionality quickly enough.
On January 10, a field action was approved and a voluntary recall (PDF) was announced on January 22, impacting model year 2021 through 2023 Ford Bronco Sport and 2022 through 2023 Ford Maverick vehicles.
Ford is not aware of any accidents, fires or injuries attributed to the defect.
Customers will begin receiving notification letters on February 3, 2025, with instructions on how to schedule a free inspection and installation of a Ford Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12V battery if needed.
Any vehicle owners who have already had this repair performed at their own expense prior to receiving the Ford recall notification may be eligible for reimbursement.
Ford’s number for this recall is 25S02. Customers may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, or the company’s contact for this recall, Dusty Gardner, via email at dusty.gardner@dot.gov.
Owners with any additional questions may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.