Recall 18V592 affects 49,197 2012-2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid, Focus Electric, and C-Max vehicles for overheating charge cords. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 49,197 120V convenience charge cords sold for 2012-2015 Focus Electric, C-Max, and Fusion Hybrid vehicles because the cords were built without thermistors. When resistance rises in a home outlet or wiring during charging, the cord can overheat and melt, which increases fire risk; Ford dealers will replace it free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The recalled part is the 120V Convenience charge cord used with 2012-2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid, Focus Electric, and C-Max vehicles. It plugs into a household outlet and feeds AC power to the vehicle's charging system. In the updated design, a thermistor at the plug end watches for heat at the outlet connection and stops charging until the temperature drops.
On the recalled cords, that thermistor is missing. When the cord is used with a home outlet that is not on a dedicated circuit, or one that is damaged, worn, or corroded, resistance builds where the plug meets the outlet. That extra resistance raises the temperature at the connection, which leads to overheating and melting at the cord plug or nearby outlet area.
Owners can notice incomplete or slow charge cycles, or a vehicle that will not charge. Visible melting around the charge cord plug or a hot electrical odor are also warning signs.
Who's affected?
Spans Fusion Hybrid, Focus Electric, and C-Max models across the 2012-2015 model years, all tied to the Electrical component.
| 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid | Electrical |
|---|---|
| 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid | Electrical |
| 2014 Ford Focus Electric | Electrical |
| 2014 Ford C-Max | Electrical |
| 2013 Ford C-Max | Electrical |
| 2015 Ford C-Max | Electrical |
| 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid | Electrical |
| 2012 Ford Focus Electric | Electrical |
| 2013 Ford Focus Electric | Electrical |
| 2015 Ford Focus Electric | Electrical |
| Units affected | 49,197 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 12 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An overheated charge cord can increase the risk of a fire. Slow or incomplete charging, inability to charge, melted plastic near the charge cord plug, or an odor are warning signs. Stop using the cord and schedule the dealer repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid, Focus Electric, or C-Max is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free 120V convenience charge-cord replacement with the added thermistor.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford sent one. If not, reference recall number 18V592 and Ford recall 18S24 when you call.
- Avoid using the recalled 120V convenience charge cord until Ford replaces it, since overheating during charging raises the fire risk.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions about the recalled cord or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the original 120V convenience charge cord with a new 120V cord that includes a thermistor. That added sensor helps the cord respond to heat during charging. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Ford lists a general reimbursement plan for owners who paid for this cord-related repair before the recall notice. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk, or contact Ford customer service, to start the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 21, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| September 10, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
| January 18, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V592?
Recall 18V592 covers 49,197 Ford 120V convenience charge cords sold for use with 2012-2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid, Focus Electric, and C-Max vehicles. The cords were built without thermistors, and higher resistance in a home outlet or wiring can overheat and melt the cord, increasing fire risk.
What should I do if my 2012-2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid, Focus Electric, or C-Max is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V592. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for the replacement 120V convenience charge cord with a thermistor. Reference Ford recall number 18S24 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to correct the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy for this recall is a free replacement 120V convenience charge cord with a thermistor at a franchised Ford dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from an overheated charge cord. The recalled 120V cords lack thermistors, so resistance in a home outlet or wiring can make the cord overheat and melt during charging. Stop using the recalled cord until Ford replaces it.
What if I bought the Ford used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the vehicle and recalled charge cord, not the first owner. Check your VIN, then ask a franchised Ford dealer to confirm whether your cord is included and replace it under recall 18V592.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V592000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V592 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V592000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →