Recall 24V685 affects 61 2024 Ford Explorer Hybrid vehicles for a battery-cable short-circuit fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 61 2024 Explorer vehicles with 3.3L Hybrid engines because the 12-volt battery cable can chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generator and short circuit. A short circuit increases the risk of a fire, and Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The positive battery cable on the 2024 Ford Explorer Hybrid is the heavy electrical cable that carries 12-volt power from the battery to systems that help the vehicle start and run. On these Explorers, that cable routes near the Belt-integrated Starter Generator, or BiSG, the hybrid component that helps start the engine and generate electrical power. The cable needs enough clearance and secure retention so engine movement does not let it touch nearby hardware.
Ford found that the retention design did not keep the cable far enough from the BiSG during dynamic engine movement, including engine roll. When the cable rubs against the BiSG, the insulation can wear through. Damaged insulation can let the positive cable short circuit, which is the failure this recall is meant to prevent. The dealer repair adds another tie strap to hold the cable in place.
Owners can see a check engine light before the problem is found. The Explorer can also crank slowly or fail to crank when you try to start it.
Who's affected?
Both component categories point to the same positive battery cable in the 3.3L FHEV system.
| 2024 Ford Explorer | Hybrid propulsion system |
|---|---|
| 2024 Ford Explorer | battery |
| Units affected | 61 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2024 Ford Explorer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A short circuit increases the risk of a fire. A check engine light, slow cranking, or a no-crank start attempt are warning signs to take seriously. Avoid repeated start attempts after those signs and call a Ford dealer for recall guidance. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free tie-strap installation that keeps the 12-Volt battery cable from chafing against the BiSG.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 24V685 (Ford recall 24S61) when you call.
- Limit unnecessary driving until the repair is complete, since a cable short circuit raises fire risk.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions about scheduling or owner notice status.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician installs a tie strap between the 12-volt battery cable and the high voltage cable so the battery cable cannot chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generator. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you paid out of pocket before the recall notice for this repair, contact Ford customer service about reimbursement under Ford's recall reimbursement plan and bring repair invoices or other documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 13, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 17, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| September 17, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 21, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 21, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 8, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V685?
Recall 24V685 covers 61 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-volt battery cable can chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generator and short circuit, increasing fire risk. Ford dealers will install a tie strap for free.
What should I do if my 2024 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 24V685. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the tie-strap installation. Reference Ford recall number 24S61 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high-voltage cable free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from a short circuit. On affected 2024 Ford Explorer Hybrid vehicles, the 12-volt battery cable can rub against the Belt-integrated Starter Generator, damage the cable, and short circuit. Ford's dealer repair separates the cables with a tie strap.
When were owners notified about this Ford Explorer recall?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on November 8, 2024. If you bought the Explorer used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer or Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V685000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V685 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V685000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →