If you own a 2024 or 2025 E Transit, you can’t afford to ignore the news about the Ford E Transit recall battery fire issue. This recent Ford recall has raised serious concerns among EV owners, small business operators, and fleet managers across the U.S.
In April 2025, Ford confirmed that certain E Transit models are at risk of battery fires caused by water leaking into the high‑voltage battery pack. What makes this even more serious is that it’s one of 94 recalls Ford has issued this year, a record-setting number for an automaker in America.
This particular recall is significant because it involves more than just replacing a broken car part. It is about protecting lives, property, and the trust businesses place in their electric fleets.
To help both current owners and potential buyers of the Ford E‑Transit, this guide breaks everything down in the easiest way possible. You’ll learn what caused the issue, what risks are involved, what Ford is doing to fix it, and what steps you should take now to stay safe.
The Ford E Transit Recall Battery Fire at a Glance
In April 2025, Ford confirmed that about 457 vans built between April 18, 2024, and January 27, 2025, need urgent inspections. These are primarily 2024–2025 Ford E-Transit Chassis Cab models equipped with the Extended-Range (4P) battery.
Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warn that these vans could suffer battery fires due to water seeping into the battery pack. To keep people safe, Ford is urging owners to park their vans outdoors and at least 50 feet away from other vehicles and buildings until repairs are made.
This recall hits especially hard for the EV commercial fleet community, since the E‑Transit is a popular choice for delivery services, contractors, and small businesses trying to cut fuel costs and emissions. Unexpected downtime for even a few vans can mean lost income and delayed service.
Notification letters started going out in early May 2025, and Ford is offering free dealer inspections and repairs. Depending on what the inspection shows, vans will either get a full battery replacement or preventive fixes like drainage holes to stop water from building up.
Understanding the Battery Fire Risk
The Ford E Transit recall centers on a battery fire risk. It is said to be caused by water entering the high‑voltage battery pack. Owners need to understand that it is not a minor issue like software glitches or a car seat having a harness flaw that can be postponed.
It is a serious safety hazard (like brake problems, defective engine parts, and others) that can affect the van even when it is parked and completely turned off.
The Root Cause of the Problem
The problems come from the metal frame (aluminum side rails) that holds the E Transit’s battery pack in place. In areas where the weather often goes from freezing cold at night to warmer during the day, the constant freezing and thawing can put stress on this metal. Over time, the metal may crack or bend.
When that happens, rainwater, melted snow, or road slush can leak inside the battery pack. For electric vehicles (whether a van, SUV, pickup, or a sedan), even a small amount of water getting into the high‑voltage battery is dangerous. It sets the stage for serious problems, including the risk of a fire.
Why Water Inside a Battery Is Dangerous
Water and electricity are a bad mix. So when water gets into the E‑Transit’s battery, it can cause an electrical short, kind of like when wires that shouldn’t touch come into direct contact. This short can make the van battery overheat.
While this may not seem much to many, engine overheating is a common phenomenon among gasoline cars. However, in this case, if the overheating gets out of control, the E-Transit battery can go into something called thermal runaway. This means the heat inside the battery keeps building until it may catch fire, even if the van is parked and turned off.
What’s even more baffling is that this isn’t the first time that there has been an EV recall in America related to water intrusion. Similar recalls have occurred in the past with other electric models, highlighting how important battery housing design and testing are for long‑term safety.
Signs Your E-Transit May Be Affected
The easiest way to know if your Ford E Transit might have a battery problem that could cause it to catch fire is to watch for warning signs. Ford has built in some alerts and symptoms that owners should not ignore.
Dashboard Warnings You Might See
If your van is affected, the screen on your dashboard may show Stop Safely Now and Service Vehicle Soon warnings. The first one means your battery problem is serious, and you should stop driving immediately. Whereas the second one means that the system has found a smaller problem, but it still needs to be checked quickly. In both these cases, your E Transit may refuse to drive or charge until it is fixed.
Other Warning Signs
You should not solely rely on the dashboard messages. Even without them, there are other warning signs you can notice, indicating an issue with your battery:
- Trouble when charging, or charging stops suddenly.
- The van does not start when you try to drive.
- Strange smells, unusual heat, or signs of water near the battery area.
If you see any of these signs in your spacious van, treat them as red flags for a much bigger issue. Follow Ford’s safety instructions to handle the situation.
Safety Risks for Owners and Fleets
The biggest danger behind this Ford E‑Transit recall is that a battery fire can happen even when the van is parked. That’s not just inconvenient, it’s a serious safety risk. Ford and the NHTSA have confirmed that damage to the battery tray can allow water to leak into the high-voltage battery. If that happens, the battery may short-circuit and catch fire, even if the van isn’t running or plugged in.
That’s why Ford is telling owners to park their vans outdoors and at least 50 feet away from buildings, other vehicles, or anything flammable. Fires involving lithium-ion batteries are much harder to put out than regular car fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that EV battery fires can burn hotter and longer and often need special training or equipment to contain.
For businesses that rely on the E‑Transit for daily deliveries or service work, the risks are just as serious, but financial. Taking even a few vans off the road for inspections or repairs can lead to missed jobs, delayed deliveries, lost income, and even contract penalties. According to a 2025 report by FleetOwner Magazine, unplanned EV downtime is one of the top concerns for commercial fleet operators this year.
And then there’s the trust factor. Every time a high-profile EV faces a recall like this, it makes drivers and businesses question whether electric vehicles are really ready to replace gas-powered fleets. But many experts, including engineers at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), say this is actually a sign of progress. It means automakers and regulators are actively working to improve safety, and that’s a good thing in the long run.
So yes, the risks are real. But so is the effort to fix them and make future electric vans even safer and more reliable.
Official Ford E Transit Battery Fire Recall Details You Must Know
After announcing the recall in spring 2025, Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released an official recall notice with clear steps for E‑Transit owners.
Recall Identification Numbers
To confirm whether your van is part of this recall, look for these official IDs:
- Ford Recall Number: 25S36
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V‑238
You can use these numbers when checking your VIN through Ford’s online VIN lookup tool or on the NHTSA recall website.
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Instructions from Ford and NHTSA
Ford is advising owners to take this recall seriously. The recall notice directs people to:
- Park outdoors, at least 50 feet away from buildings or other cars
- Avoid driving or charging the van if dashboard warnings appear
- Wait for Ford’s notification letter, mailed in early May 2025
- Schedule a free inspection at a Ford or Lincoln dealer as soon as possible
If You Already Paid for a Repair
If you have already fixed the issue before the recall, Ford may pay you back. This is part of their recall reimbursement program. As long as you have your payment receipts and service records, you will get paid back. Just talk to your dealer to confirm eligibility and learn how to apply for the program.
Repairs and Fixes Ford Is Offering to Owners
Ford knows the recall is serious, and that’s why they’re offering free EV recall repairs to every affected E‑Transit owner. You won’t pay a dime for these fixes, but it’s important to act as soon as you get your notification letter.
First, every van will get a dealer inspection. This check is designed to spot any cracks or bends in the battery tray rails. If there’s damage, Ford will replace the entire battery assembly free of charge. Many auto industry experts say this is the safest and most reliable fix for preventing future fires.
If no damage is found, Ford will still make changes by adding drainage holes to the battery tray. This helps stop water from building up again, lowering the risk of another problem. It’s a preventive step that could save owners a lot of worry in the long run.
Ford began mailing letters in early May 2025, and appointments are already being scheduled. Because parts for full EV battery replacements can sometimes be limited, it’s smart to book your slot as soon as you get your letter. That way, you’ll be among the first to get your E‑Transit back on the road safely.
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How to Check If Your Vehicle Is Affected
The easiest way to confirm if your Ford E‑Transit is part of this recall is by checking its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Here are the steps that you should take:
- Use the Ford VIN Lookup Tool: Go to Ford’s official website and enter your 17‑digit VIN in the recall check tool. This will tell you right away if your van is included in the recall.
- Contact a Ford or Lincoln Dealer: Ford dealers can look up your van in the OASIS system. It will tell them instantly if it is affected and what repair steps are available.
- Call Ford Customer Service: If you want to avoid getting out of the house, you can speak directly with Ford by calling 1‑866‑436‑7332. They’ll check your VIN and explain the next steps in detail.
- Check the NHTSA Recall Website: The NHTSA recall notice database also allows you to search your VIN. This is another reliable way to see if the recall applies to your van.
Crucial Steps E Transit Owners Should Take Right Now
If you own a Ford E‑Transit, here’s the bottom line: don’t wait for something to go wrong before taking action. Even if your dashboard hasn’t flashed a warning yet, there are key steps you should take today. The first step is parking safety. Ford and the NHTSA are clear: until your van has been inspected, always park outdoors and keep at least 50 feet of distance from other vehicles and buildings. This simple action can greatly reduce the risk of fire damage spreading.
Next, gather your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and recent service records. You’ll need these when checking the recall status online or booking a repair with your dealer. Having them ready will save time and make the process smoother.
Finally, don’t delay once you receive your recall letter. Ford started mailing these notices in early May 2025, and free dealer repairs are available, but appointment slots may fill up quickly. Calling your Ford or Lincoln dealer right away is the best way to make sure your van gets inspected and, if needed, repaired without a long wait.
What This Recall Means for EV Safety
This Ford E‑Transit recall isn’t just a headache for owners right now. It’s also a wake‑up call for the future of electric vehicles. EVs are supposed to be the smart, clean choice, but problems like battery fires remind us that safety still has to come first.
For business owners and fleet managers, the lesson is to always plan. If your vans are suddenly grounded, that could mean missed deliveries, canceled jobs, or unhappy customers. Having a backup plan, like a few spare vehicles or flexible scheduling, can make a huge difference.
On a bigger scale, this recall could shape how people feel about switching to electric rides. Some drivers are still on the fence, and hearing about fire risks doesn’t exactly build confidence. The only good news here is that recalls like this show that Ford and regulators such as the NHTSA are watching closely and stepping in fast to keep drivers safe.
The best part is that the whole EV industry learns from these problems. Engineers will use what happened here to build better battery protection, stronger waterproofing, and smarter testing in future models. In other words, today’s recall might help make tomorrow’s EVs even safer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ford cover towing if the van won’t start due to battery warnings?
In many cases, yes. Owners who see dashboard messages like Stop Safely Now or Service Vehicle Soon may be covered for free towing to a Ford or Lincoln dealer. The details should be provided in your recall letter or owner notification. If needed, you can also contact Ford Roadside Assistance at 1‑800‑241‑3673
Can I get the recall fixed even if I’m not the original owner, or my warranty has expired?
Absolutely. All safety-related recalls remain valid regardless of vehicle ownership or warranty status. According to RepairPal and Ford guidance, the battery recall repairs are free for anyone, even if you’re a second or third owner, or the warranty has expired.
Does the recall expire?
No, the recall does not expire as long as parts are still supported by Ford. In general, recall-related safety repairs (like this battery fix) can be performed up to 15 years after the vehicle was manufactured, and often longer if Ford continues supplying the parts.
Final Thoughts
By now, you know exactly why the Ford E Transit recall battery fire is making headlines in 2025. It is a serious risk, but the good news is that Ford is taking necessary actions.
In this entire fiasco, what matters most is how you respond. Don’t ignore the recall or assume your van is safe until you hear otherwise. Check your VIN today, follow Ford’s parking guidelines, and be ready to schedule your free repair as soon as you’re contacted. The sooner you act, the sooner you can get back to using your E‑Transit with confidence. Call your local dealer or Ford’s hotline (1‑866‑436‑7332) to know whether your van is included.
