Ford recommends thousands of owners leave their cars behind due to fires in popular SUVs (3 photos)
Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator Recall Expanded
Ford owners of full-size SUVs are advised to park their vehicles outdoors. The automaker has significantly expanded the recall due to a fire risk identified in 2020 models. The hazard exists even when the vehicle is parked with the engine off.
Recall Details
The automaker announced the inclusion of an additional 4,632 examples of the 2020 model year Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator produced between November 17 and December 1, 2020. This action follows a previous recall that affected 2021 models.
Technical Cause of the Issue
According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an electrical short may occur inside the battery pack circuit board. This is due to insufficient solder mask coverage and limited protective coating, which over time allows moisture to penetrate the internal circuitry. If enough moisture and dirt accumulate, a short may occur that could cause a fire.
The company is reporting two cases of fires in the engine compartment of vehicles on the expanded recall list. Fortunately, no accidents or injuries have been reported related to this issue. Some owners have reported a burning smell or smoke from the front passenger side of the engine compartment as an early sign of the problem. 
Repair Process
Dealers will inspect the recalled vehicles and replace the battery pack if damage is found. For SUVs with an 800-watt cooling fan, the ground wire from the pack will be removed, and models with a 700-watt fan will receive an additional pack and jumper to reduce the risk of overheating.
Origin of the Issue
This situation is likely related to issues caused by the pandemic. The defective boards were supplied by a manufacturer that moved production from one facility to another in early 2020. Ford believes this was caused by an improper coating process. 
Owners will be notified by email or through the FordPass app. They can also contact their local dealer or check their vehicle identification number at NHTSA.gov. Safety remains a top priority, especially since issues can occur even in parked vehicles, requiring owners to be extra vigilant throughout the repair period.
