Ford recalls 26,000 Kuga PHEVs over serious fire risk — owners warned not to charge
Fire Threat Sparks Urgent Recall
Ford has slapped an urgent recall on more than 26,000 Kuga Plug-in Hybrid SUVs amid a serious fire risk. The US car giant revealed a defect in the high-voltage battery could cause thermal venting, potentially igniting a blaze and posing a grave danger to drivers.
The affected models? All current-generation Kuga PHEVs with a 2.5-litre petrol engine launched since April 2020. But there’s a catch — Ford says the fix won’t be ready until mid-2025, leaving drivers stuck waiting.
In a blunt letter to owners, Ford warned:
“DO NOT PLUG YOUR VEHICLES IN TO CHARGE THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY and use the drive mode ‘Auto EV’ only.”
Fix Months Away, Petrol Only For Now
The solution is a software update designed to spot early battery cell damage, but Ford confirms it can’t be delivered remotely. Drivers will have to visit dealerships once the patch arrives — expected no sooner than June 2025.
Until then, Kuga PHEV owners will be forced to rely solely on petrol — tanking the eco-friendly benefits and likely the running cost savings of their plug-in hybrids.
Despite the fire risk, Ford hasn’t ordered owners to stop driving but warns that a “Stop Safely Now” dashboard alert may appear if battery damage worsens, urging drivers to pull over immediately.
No Fire Fix Yet, But Deliveries Halted
Ford has also slammed on the brakes for new Kuga PHEV deliveries until the software fix is installed. The issue is currently limited to the Kuga, with the similarly powered Transit PHEV van reportedly unaffected.
A Ford spokesperson apologised:
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to our customers… We remain committed to providing safe and high-quality vehicles.”
Kuga’s Troubled Battery Past
This isn’t the first time the Kuga has hit trouble. Back in August 2020, Ford recalled early models after seven vehicles caught fire while charging. That incident required full battery replacements and was linked to cell contamination near the fuel tank.
Now, with fresh battery woes unrelated to the previous fires, concerns are mounting over the long-term reliability of plug-in hybrid battery tech.
Safety Recall Warnings and What Drivers Must Do
- Do not charge your Kuga PHEV.
- Use only ‘Auto EV’ drive mode.
- Watch for dashboard warnings like “Stop Safely Now”.
- Contact Ford Customer Centre for advice.
Ford promises to contact owners once the fix is ready. For now, the only advice is clear: keep your Kuga unplugged and stay alert behind the wheel.
Recall Reality: Most Cars Left Unfixed
This recall saga comes as a wider UK safety crisis brews. Research by CarVertical reveals a staggering 72% of vehicles recalled are never repaired, sparking fears over road safety and insurance risks.
In 2024 alone, Ford recalled over 67,000 cars in the UK, though that’s small fry compared to BMW’s 637,000-plus. Experts warn ignoring recalls can leave drivers uninsured if defects cause accidents.
