Recall issued: 2019-2020 Fusion Energi - BECM Fire Risk

[ForgedDawning]

I have a 2019 Energi purchased as a certified pre-owned for just over $30k in April 2022. It had 30k miles and was bought in Florida and registered in Georgia. I just hit 50k miles. Ford denied my buyback claim due to the vehicle being pre-owned, but I have difficulty taking "sorry, there's nothing we can do" for an answer. The rep I spoke with suggested going through the BBB Auto Line. I see accounts of Ford approving buybacks left and right, and these state-by-state dependencies are ridiculous. My vehicle has limited functionality and reduced fuel economy in a model that I specifically paid extra money to have. There is no fix in sight until over a year from now at the earliest, and there are other accounts of people's vehicles leaving them stranded or catching on fire! There's a slim chance of selling the car due to the looming recall, and if anyone has any suggestions, I would be forever grateful. 

Edited December 8, 2023 at 07:40 PM by ForgedDawning
grammer

[NYIndependent]

Send your compaint to NHTSB, like many of us have done. Lemon law attorney won't take the case as it's out of the 3/36 warranty. 

[bkosh84]

On 12/9/2023 at 8:41 PM, NYIndependent said:

Send your compaint to NHTSB, like many of us have done. Lemon law attorney won't take the case as it's out of the 3/36 warranty. 

 

Has Ford reached out to you after submitting a complaint to the NHTSB? 

I've been trying to get Ford to perform a buyback for the last three weeks and they either regurgitate my states lemon laws (which are very anti-consumer) or tell me that the car referenced isn't "registered" in my name in their system (which I have called them about a dozen times since ownership started in April to have them fix, and they haven't). 

[ranger024x4]

Just joined to add to this thread. 

 

I read that someone who was upset on the energi Facebook page got approved for a buyback and claimed to have been offered 31k for hers. I ended up going though the process and finally got the approval for a buyback and was sent over to the acquisition department. They offered me 14k for mine, stating that is what the KBB value is which is half of what I paid just 3 weeks before the recall was announced. They told me that I couldn't negotiate, basically take it or leave it. I did end up calling back, requesting to speak with a supervisor but stated that they would call me back within 72 hours. Still waiting.

 

 

I did also send an email to the cooperate email listed in this thread. We will see.

[Kilowattsky]

After speaking to three attorneys about this issue, we've decided to just wait for the lawsuit that will likely be filed against Ford.

 

As one of the world’s most ethical companies, Ford's strong ethics and corporate citizenship are the foundation of their business philosophy, which demonstrates to their customers what Ford stands for as a company. 🙄

[Ikmon]

I signed up and recieved the 250 check.

 

i just yesterday got a call from Ford recall  asking if i would like ford to buy it back.

 

they said thst dept will call me next week to discuss offer details

[ranger024x4]

On 12/23/2023 at 3:53 PM, Ikmon said:

I signed up and recieved the 250 check.

 

i just yesterday got a call from Ford recall  asking if i would like ford to buy it back.

 

they said thst dept will call me next week to discuss offer details

Did they voluntarily call you? I had to reach out to ford to start the process. 

[likeaw]

What numbers did you call at Ford. I have a 2019 Energi with about 25K miles. Wonder what they would give me for it?

 

Edit: Went out to check the mileage and the 12V battery is dead. Either went bad or since I don't charge any more does not get driven enough. Not taking a 12V charge any more either. Bummer.

 

Edit 2: Found this, is it true?  I do still have the 3G modem in car.

There’s an issue with the standby, and the car will naturally drain battery searching for a cell signal. Not driving for more than 4 days will kill this battery.

The latest firmware helps in this area because 3G has been deprecated. Get a battery tender.

Source: I’ve gone through 4 batteries. Same car.

Edited December 26, 2023 at 09:14 PM by likeaw

[Richard_Yul]

I also have about 20k on mine, but in Canada, no buyback that I've heard of. 

[Ryan]

I'm also in Canada, no $250 fuel compensation from Ford, no talk of buy-backs. 

 

In regards to the earlier comment, I still have the original 3G modem and I've left my car for up to a couple of weeks with no noticeable battery drain. 

[cr08]

On 12/26/2023 at 3:04 PM, likeaw said:

Edit 2: Found this, is it true?  I do still have the 3G modem in car.

There’s an issue with the standby, and the car will naturally drain battery searching for a cell signal. Not driving for more than 4 days will kill this battery.

The latest firmware helps in this area because 3G has been deprecated. Get a battery tender.

Source: I’ve gone through 4 batteries. Same car.

 

Where's your source on this? Just curious so I can follow up on it.

 

Ford has safeguards in place in the form of timeouts and retry limits on the TCU's to keep them from unnecessarily draining the battery. Even for current 4G models, it is useful for areas where no ATT service exists at all. 

[ranger024x4]

On 12/26/2023 at 3:04 PM, likeaw said:

What numbers did you call at Ford. I have a 2019 Energi with about 25K miles. Wonder what they would give me for it?

 

Edit: Went out to check the mileage and the 12V battery is dead. Either went bad or since I don't charge any more does not get driven enough. Not taking a 12V charge any more either. Bummer.

 

Edit 2: Found this, is it true?  I do still have the 3G modem in car.

There’s an issue with the standby, and the car will naturally drain battery searching for a cell signal. Not driving for more than 4 days will kill this battery.

The latest firmware helps in this area because 3G has been deprecated. Get a battery tender.

Source: I’ve gone through 4 batteries. Same car.

I called the main customer service number and after a few prompts ended up with a "Customer experience specialist". She basically took my complaint and got approval from another division for a buy back. The only thing I had to do was take it to a ford dealer to get a work order that basically says there is nothing they can do for me. That's when I got the official buyback approval. 

 

After that, It goes to the Repurchase Coordinator who then tells you the price at which they are going to buy it back. They offered 14k for my 19. 

 

edit: also, last thing I saw, looks like late 2024 for a fix. 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 26, 2023 at 11:13 PM by ranger024x4

[likeaw]

14K seems a little low for a 2019. What kind of miles did you have on it? Did you take the offer? 

[ranger024x4]

On 12/27/2023 at 9:48 AM, likeaw said:

14K seems a little low for a 2019. What kind of miles did you have on it? Did you take the offer? 

Mine has 70k now and I did not take the offer. I did go back and try to talk to higher ups but basically was told "take it or leave it". One supervisor even said getting an attorney involved is the best way to get noticed by the higher ups.

 

Like others have said, it helps all of us if you also either call or file a complaint online to NHTSA. I filed one today. 

 

 

[tkyoshi]

On 12/26/2023 at 12:52 PM, Ryan said:

I'm also in Canada, no $250 fuel compensation from Ford, no talk of buy-backs. 

 

In regards to the earlier comment, I still have the original 3G modem and I've left my car for up to a couple of weeks with no noticeable battery drain. 

 

Canada still has 3G operating for the foreseeable future (2025 was thrown out but providers say this date is not accurate) so you won't have issues with the TCU draining the battery searching for a signal - just sucks that you can't use the app anymore regardless.

 

There are other cars in the USA like Subaru's that have similar issues, the TCU keeps searching for a signal and drains the battery. Ford does apparently have an updated calibration to stop the search for a cell signal.

Edited December 29, 2023 at 06:55 PM by tkyoshi

[DeepState]

On 10/30/2023 at 2:27 PM, Richard_Yul said:

I found a law firm in Quebec that does class actions with Ford.  https://www.lexgroup.ca/class-actions/

 

I filled out a form suggesting the class action.  Encourage fellow canadians to do the same.

Doggone shame... I was content to wait until THIS December, but hearing this business about December 2024 prompted an email to fordoec@ford.com . Also, I'm in Detroit for the holidays and sharing our saga with my Ford contacts.

 

In fact, back in October a friend shared this article, which I dismissed thinking this matter would be quickly resolved: https://driving.ca/features/shopping-advice/quebec-lemon-law-canada-first-consumer-protection/wcm/d06c9b66-0eac-4c63-a713-45432cea2ef3/amp/

 

Let's just say this new law has become central to my case. It might not be a slam-dunk, but I can work with it:

 

"Starting with the toughest sanctions first, Quebec’s new regulation states that, after three unsuccessful repair attempts in three years or 60,000 kilometres (whichever comes first), buyers of new vehicles struggling with what seems to be a “citron” can now apply to the courts to have the sale cancelled, the price reduced, or the vehicle repurchased by the manufacturer.

This provision against “seriously defective vehicles,” as the Quebec government calls them, has been in force since October 5, 2023, and is part of a vast package of measures “against programmed obsolescence and promoting the durability, repairability, and maintenance of goods.” The legislation was passed unanimously and in less than three months(!) by the Quebec National Assembly."

 

And I ended by email to Ford pointing out that as a born-and-raised Detroiter with parents who worked for the company, this is disheartening. My mother, who is in her 57th year with the company, is embarrassed!

 

Richard, how did Lex Group respond to your inquiry???

 

Thanks!

[Richard_Yul]

I thought I read a clause in the Quebec regs that's state the vehicle must be 2020 or later. Mines a 2019.

 

Lex group never got back to me, but I get the sense we are gaining some momentum with this.  I'll reach out again and report back. 

[tkyoshi]

Someone mentioned in the FB group that supposedly the latest update to dealers are Q1 2024 (Fuse + Firmware to disable charging completely) and new HVB's starting in Q4 2024. 

 

But of course we don't know how fast they will be pumping out the batteries (and also which dealers have people trained to do the swap), so could still be awhile to resolution even after new HVBs start showing up.

[likeaw]

On 1/28/2024 at 2:52 AM, tkyoshi said:

Someone mentioned in the FB group that supposedly the latest update to dealers are Q1 2024 (Fuse + Firmware to disable charging completely) and new HVB's starting in Q4 2024. 

 

But of course we don't know how fast they will be pumping out the batteries (and also which dealers have people trained to do the swap), so could still be awhile to resolution even after new HVBs start showing up.

Thanks for the update. Another recall to the recall, wtg Ford.

[J cummins]

Ford say fix might be available  4 quarter of 2024. How are we to be reimbursed for lost mileage and I pay extra for tages in ohio for a plug in I can’t use. Talked to ford on the phone I was told they may have a fix 4th quarter of 2024 . Class action may be the only way to speed this up.

Edited February 4, 2024 at 03:47 AM by J cummins

[McWatter]

Report from Texas in 2024. I called and spoke to someone who took all the information and started the buyback inquiry process. Three weeks later I called back and got the answer. Here's the exact quote (I recorded the conversation):

 

After reviewing your case, I do see noted here, after review vehicle does not meet state guidelines for buyback/replacement criteria for TX.

 

I'm not pleased. The trade-in value of the vehicle plummeted just weeks after the recall was issued and they couldn't be bothered to even offer that. Over the years I and the business I run have purchased over 30 ford trucks. Obviously losing one person's business won't hurt their bottom line, but I'll be damned if I ever buy another Ford product after being treated like crap when it's their engineering fault that is the cause of the problem.

 

The real shame is that given the numbers here (did they really sell all that many Fusion PHEV's?) it would be a drop in the bucket for them to simply make this right. What a mess.

[MelR]

Buyback update from Iowa. I submitted a request on Jan 18 for my 2019 Ford Fusion Energi with 51k miles. I received an offer Jan 30 for $15,200, which they said was the KBB value. In Ford's offer, they indicated a private offer would be provided for a discount on a new Ford vehicle. 

 

To me, this offer is a non-starter. As other owners point out, the KBB value dropped after the recall. I also find it disingenuous to indicate a "private offer" would be made on a future vehicle. It's impossible to weigh this buyback without a clear idea of what it's worth to give back my vehicle. I'll keep my legal options open at this point. 

[ranger024x4]

On 1/28/2024 at 3:52 AM, tkyoshi said:

Someone mentioned in the FB group that supposedly the latest update to dealers are Q1 2024 (Fuse + Firmware to disable charging completely) and new HVB's starting in Q4 2024. 

 

But of course we don't know how fast they will be pumping out the batteries (and also which dealers have people trained to do the swap), so could still be awhile to resolution even after new HVBs start showing up.

yeah, that information came out end of September time frame. During that time if you looked into the recall information on Fords website, it would list what you said aside from the dates. Right before I opened my complaint with Ford in December they changed the information on the recall to "Ford Motor Company is working on a remedy to address this issue. When a remedy becomes available, Ford Motor Company will notify you via mail to schedule a service appointment with your dealer for repairs to be completed free of charge parts and labor."  The supplement sent to the dealers October 23rd did mention a fix during Q4 though. 

[ranger024x4]

On 1/31/2024 at 11:05 AM, MelR said:

Buyback update from Iowa. I submitted a request on Jan 18 for my 2019 Ford Fusion Energi with 51k miles. I received an offer Jan 30 for $15,200, which they said was the KBB value. In Ford's offer, they indicated a private offer would be provided for a discount on a new Ford vehicle. 

 

To me, this offer is a non-starter. As other owners point out, the KBB value dropped after the recall. I also find it disingenuous to indicate a "private offer" would be made on a future vehicle. It's impossible to weigh this buyback without a clear idea of what it's worth to give back my vehicle. I'll keep my legal options open at this point. 

They told me the same thing. For whatever it's worth, I talked to the owner of the local dealer here in Virginia. After familiarizing himself with the recall and reading the supplements, he agreed with many of us that Ford is leaving us out to dry. After telling him the offer Ford gave me, he said it would be easy for him to match that offer and would retail it for 3-4k more than that. To me, that just shows how bad the offers are from Ford.

 

We had another discussion with some sort of supervisor at Ford last night. I said that they needed to step up and paid KBB retail value for these cars before the recall was issued. The lady I talked to understood where I was coming from but doubt she could change anything. They did not seem to care that I have purchased 15 or so new and used Lincoln and Ford products over the last 8 years. Really unfortunate. 

 

[Cathy]

Hi all, I just found this site. Great info. I received my $250 just before the end of 2023. I am grateful for the suggestions to contact Ford bigwigs and NHTSA, I will add my voice ASAP.

 

I still really like this car, but before I LOVED it. I really think PHEV is a great solution, or at least gateway solution. I am SORELY tempted to just keep plugging it in, but of course when it burns down my house and the insurance firm finds the evidence that I was aware of the recall, I am screwed, so there's that... 😑

 

I did call the Ford "concierge" recall line at 833-807-3673 2/19 and "Lily" told me they had an update that some sort of 'containment' option was coming in 1Q24....details were sketchy to say the least.

 

Cathy in St. Louis