Recall 23V440 covers 14,452 2019-2020 Ford Fusion PHEV vehicles for BECM damage. Do not charge. Free interim repair now.
Ford is recalling 14,452 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles under recall 23V440 because excessive voltage and current flow can damage the battery energy control module. A damaged module can cause loss of drive power or fire, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once Ford opens the final remedy.
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What's wrong?
The high-voltage battery in the 2019-2020 Ford Fusion PHEV stores the electric power that helps move the vehicle. The battery energy control module, or BECM, watches that battery and manages the flow of voltage and current through the propulsion system. When it works correctly, it keeps battery power within the limits the hybrid system is designed to handle.
In affected Fusion PHEV vehicles, excessive gas builds inside one or more of the 84 battery cells. Ford traces that gas buildup to electrolyte depletion near the center of the cells. Repeated charge and discharge cycles, charging or storing the battery at 100% state of charge, and battery age contribute to that depletion. The resulting cell condition can damage the BECM through excessive voltage and current flow.
The warning Ford identifies is a "stop safely now" message before loss of motive power. If that message appears, the vehicle is telling you the propulsion system has detected a serious battery fault.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2019 and 2020 model years, both tied to the same high-voltage traction battery.
| 2019 Ford Fusion | high-voltage traction battery |
|---|---|
| 2020 Ford Fusion | high-voltage traction battery |
| Units affected | 14,452 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged BECM can cut drive power or start a fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. If the dashboard shows a stop safely now message, pull over safely and contact a Ford dealer. Do not charge the vehicle until the remedy is complete. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once Ford opens it.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Ford Fusion PHEV is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to ask about the free interim fuse-block and software repair for the battery-control-module risk.
- Do not charge the vehicle until Ford completes the required repair.
- Ask the dealer whether your VIN is ready for the final battery replacement and BECM software update, or whether Ford's repurchase option applies.
- Bring Ford's owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 23V440 and Ford recall 23S33 when you call.
What happens at the repair
Ford's interim instruction is not to charge the Fusion until the remedy is completed. Before final remedy parts are available, a Ford technician can replace the fuse block and update the software as an interim repair. Parts and labor are free. Once the final remedy opens, Ford will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or provide the vehicle refund Ford lists as the alternative remedy. Ford's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible owner-paid remedy costs before recall notification. Contact Ford customer service with repair documentation if you already paid for a related remedy.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 8, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| September 8, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 13, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
| October 27, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 15, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V440?
Recall 23V440 covers 14,452 2019-2020 Ford Fusion PHEV vehicles with a battery energy control module that can be damaged by excessive voltage and current flow. A damaged BECM can cause loss of drive power or fire. Ford dealers will perform the recall work for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Ford Fusion is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Fusion is included in recall 23V440. If it is, do not charge the vehicle until the remedy is completed. Contact a franchised Ford dealer and reference Ford recall number 23S33 when you schedule service.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or complete the authorized interim fuse block replacement and software update at no charge for parts and labor.
Is it safe to keep driving my Ford Fusion PHEV?
Ford's remedy instructions say not to charge the vehicle until the recall remedy is completed. The official risk is loss of drive power or fire from a damaged BECM, increasing crash or injury risk. If the vehicle changes behavior, stop using it and ask the Ford dealer about next steps.
When were owners notified about recall 23V440?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on May 15, 2025. If you bought the Fusion used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Ford dealer with recall number 23S33.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V440000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V440 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V440000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →