Ford to roll out software update for Kuga PHEVs at risk of fire
Ford has today said that it is “about 10-15 days away” from rolling out a software update to all Irish Kuga plug-in hybrid (PHEV) owners affected by a potential battery defect that poses a fire risk.
The auto giant claims the new software is designed to detect an anomaly with the battery and prevent any risk of a fire.
In the meantime, Ford is advising Kuga PHEV owners to drive in ‘Auto EV’ mode only and not to charge their cars until this software is introduced.
This latest update from Ford comes a number of weeks after almost 3,000 Irish Kuga PHEV owners were told not to plug in their cars.
Lisa Brankin, chair and managing director of Ford of Britain and Ireland, said the software update will “give the Battery Energy Control Module enhanced capability to detect cell anomalies indicative of separator damage, providing advance warning to owners of a high-voltage battery issue before thermal venting occurs”.
“In the event of anomaly detection, dealers will replace the vehicle’s high voltage battery pack,” she added.
Brankin said that “only a very small number” of Kuga PHEVs on the road worldwide have reported an issue with battery thermal venting, with “zero reported issues in Ireland”.
Ford is offering a complimentary “Kuga PHEV Check-Up” through its dealer network, which it says “should take around an hour”.
Ford hopes the check-up will reassure customers that their vehicle is “safe and road-worthy when in Auto EV mode”.
“We are also extending the warranty for high voltage components to 10 year / 240,000km (whatever comes first), covering the high voltage battery, for all affected Kuga PHEVs in Europe,” Brankin added.
Any Kuga PHEV owners that require further assistance or would like to discuss how they are being affected by this recall notification, are asked to contact Ford’s customer relationship team on 1800 771 199 between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday.