B.C. Driver Demands Ford Buy Back Faulty Hybrid SUV Amid Safety Concerns

A British Columbia driver is raising serious alarms over the ongoing issues with his hybrid SUV, claiming that it is not only a financial burden but poses significant safety risks. Jason Turner, a resident of Kelowna, purchased a Ford Escape plug-in hybrid from a Penticton dealership in April last year, expecting to reduce his fuel expenses. However, he has found himself facing unexpected gas bills due to a defect in his vehicle.

In December, Ford issued a safety recall concerning a defective battery in the vehicle, putting Turner and other affected drivers at risk. The recall notice highlights a manufacturer's defect that could lead to a loss of power while driving, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. Moreover, there's a dangerous possibility of thermal venting that could cause the battery to ignite.

"I'm unable to use the vehicle in its EV mode as intended. My main concern is the safety risk,” Turner expressed during an interview. “How can Ford say it’s safe to drive when there's a documented risk of crash and fire?”

Ford has advised drivers to refrain from using the plug-in feature until repairs can be implemented, which the carmaker estimates will take about three months. Turner believes that this directive effectively disables what he had hoped would be the cost-saving benefits of owning a hybrid vehicle.

He emphasized his frustration, saying, “I'm stuck driving a car that could endanger me and my family, and anyone else on the road. When I bought this, I wasn’t paying for gas, and now I have to budget for it again because of this defect."

Turner has been seeking help from both Ford Canada and his local dealership, Bannister Ford, but claims he has received unsatisfactory responses, leading to growing frustration. “At first, I was polite, but now I feel like I'm just being passed around without any real help. I want Ford to buy back this vehicle—I don't want to drive it anymore. My safety is worth more than this car," he stated emphatically.

In response to Turner's plight, Ford Canada acknowledged awareness of the issue, asserting that customer safety and satisfaction are top priorities. Rose Pao, a senior communications manager at Ford Canada, mentioned in an email that they are actively working on providing a software solution by the second quarter of 2025 and continue to believe that it is safe for drivers to operate the affected vehicles in the meantime.

As of now, Turner has had no luck with his inquiries to Bannister Ford, raising concerns about communication and transparency between the automaker and its customers.

With safety at stake and rising fuel costs, will Ford act quickly enough to reassure its drivers, or will we see more frustrated customers push for buybacks and legal action? Only time will tell.