Ford Escape & Lincoln Corsair PHEV Fire Recall: Your California Lemon Law Rights

Ford has recalled about 24,690 Escape and Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrids (NHTSA recall 26V091000) because the high-voltage battery can short-circuit internally and increase the risk of a fire — and, notably, there is no repair available yet. Here's what the recall covers, what to do, and when a recall like this can become a California lemon law claim.

What the recall covers

The recall affects roughly 17,345 model year 2023–2025 Ford Escape PHEVs and 7,345 model year 2023–2026 Lincoln Corsair PHEVs. A manufacturing defect in one or more high-voltage battery cells can cause an internal short circuit and battery failure, which may lead to thermal venting and a fire.

What owners should do now

• Follow Ford's interim guidance: use Auto EV mode only and charge to no more than 80% until the repair is available.
• Watch for your Ford or Lincoln letters (a first letter went out around March 6, 2026; a second will follow with the remedy).
• Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ford.com, or lincoln.com.
• Keep your recall letters and every repair order, and note any time the vehicle is unusable.

When this recall can become a lemon

This is exactly the kind of recall that can mature into a lemon claim. When no repair is available and you're told to limit how you charge and drive the vehicle, that's a real loss of use of a vehicle you're still paying for. If the eventual repair is significantly delayed or doesn't work, or your Escape or Corsair has other unrepaired warranty defects, California's Lemon Law may entitle you to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement, with the manufacturer paying your attorney fees.