Ford Hit With Lawsuit Over Fire-Prone Hybrid Vehicles

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit alleges that Ford's hybrid Escape and Corsair SUVs have defective batteries that pose a fire risk.

Consumers Affected: Owners and lessees of 2020–2024 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid and 2021–2024 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring Plug-in Hybrid vehicles.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division

Ford is facing a new class action lawsuit that claims thousands of its hybrid SUVs are equipped with dangerously defective batteries that could catch fire—even when the cars are parked and turned off.

The lawsuit alleges that more than 20,000 Ford Escape Hybrid and Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), sold between 2020 and 2024, pose a serious fire and explosion risk due to faulty high-voltage lithium-ion batteries manufactured by Samsung. Drivers say they were never warned of the risk before purchase and have since been told by Ford to stop charging the vehicles altogether.

The alleged defect which causes a spontaneous fire fisk according to the lawsuit, has already led to a battery recall and at least one confirmed fire. But plaintiffs argue that Ford has failed to deliver an effective fix, leaving drivers on edge, paying extra at the pump, and unable to use the vehicles as intended.

Ford Escape and Corsair Hybrids Pose Fire Risk, Lawsuit Claims

Three Ford and Lincoln owners from Missouri, Washington, and Wisconsin are leading the lawsuit, claiming they would not have bought the plug-in hybrid models—or would have paid less—if they’d known about the fire hazard.

Harry Hilburg, who purchased a 2022 Escape PHEV, says he was drawn in by Ford’s messaging around safety and fuel efficiency. But now, he’s afraid to park the car near buildings and must rely solely on gas since charging is no longer advised.

Marianne Bigelow, a Corsair PHEV owner in Tacoma, said she was particularly alarmed after learning about the risk—especially because she often drives her grandchildren and elderly father. Without access to electric mode, she’s left with a more expensive and less eco-friendly ride than what she paid for. 

A third plaintiff, William Simmons, also says he bought his Corsair PHEV based on Ford’s green credentials but is now stuck with a car he’s nervous to drive or park.

Defective Batteries Lead to Recall, But Concerns Remain

According to the lawsuit, Ford has known for years about the potential for lithium-ion batteries to overheat and catch fire. The batteries in question, made at Samsung’s Hungary plant, were also used in Chrysler and Volkswagen vehicles, where more than two dozen fires have been reported. 

Even after software updates meant to address the issue, fires reportedly continued—raising doubts about the effectiveness of proposed fixes.

Ford issued a safety recall in December 2024 and promised a forthcoming software update. But the lawsuit argues that relying on a digital patch for a mechanical fire hazard is "cold comfort" at best, and potentially dangerous.

Automakers Face Growing Legal Challenges Over Battery Safety

This lawsuit is just the latest in a string of legal troubles for Ford over battery and engine issues. The company is also facing claims that it sold Bronco Sport and Maverick models with defective 12-volt batteries that can cause sudden stalling. Plaintiffs in that case say Ford’s January 2025 recall doesn’t go far enough.

Ford has previously faced billion-dollar litigation over its EcoBoost engines—and it's not alone in the battery fire spotlight. Similar lawsuits have hit Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, and even power tool manufacturer Chervon North America over lithium-ion battery defects.

In the latest Ford battery class action lawsuit, the trio want to represent anyone in the US with a 2020–2024 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid and 2021–2024 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. 

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Hilburg, et al. v.Ford Motor Company 
• Case Number:  2:25-cv-10970-LVP-CI 
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division  

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Steve W. Berman  Rachel E. Fitzpatrick (Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP)
• E. Powell Miller and Dennis A. Lienhardt (The Miller Law Firm PC)

Do you own a Ford Escape or Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid? Share your experience with battery issues in the comments below.