Ford dealers in Ireland are offering complimentary Kuga PHEV check-ups to reassure customers that the cars are safe and road-worthy in Auto EV mode after an issue with the vehicle experienced by some owners.

No issues have been reported in Ireland, but motorists elsewhere have registered an issue with the PHEV battery, and to put people’s minds at ease, Ford Ireland is offering free checks of the vehicles in Ireland, which should take an our per vehicle, though timing is dependent on individual dealers.

“To all of our affected customers, we’re really sorry that an issue has occurred with the Ford Kuga PHEV battery. Our engineers are working closely with the supplier of the affected part, and are putting all of their resources into perfecting a software update to remedy the issue,” said Lisa Brankin, Chair and Managing Director of Ford of Britain and Ireland.

“This software update will be available within 10 to 15 days and will give the Battery Energy Control Module enhanced capability to detect cell anomalies indicative of separator damage, providing advance warning to owners of a high-voltage battery issue before thermal venting occurs. In the event of anomaly detection, dealers will replace the vehicle’s high voltage battery pack.

“Until the software update has been installed by your Ford dealer, we ask all Kuga PHEV drivers to use their cars in ‘Auto EV’ mode and avoid charging until the software update is complete. Only a very small number of vehicles on the road worldwide have reported an issue with battery thermal venting, with zero reported issues in Ireland,” she said.

The statement said that if customers have any concerns about their Kuga PHEV, they can contact their local dealership for reassurance, and to book in for a complimentary Kuga PHEV Check-Up to reassure them that the vehicle is safe and road-worthy when in Auto EV mode.

The check-up is a visual health check designed to reassure safety of the vehicles whilst being driven in Auto EV mode, and is not designed to be an ‘EV battery safety check’. Customers are advised to continue to drive in Auto EV mode and adhere to the ‘do not charge’ request, and does not change the need for the vehicle to be updated once the software is available.

This includes a 29 point check-up including wheels and tyres, brakes and wheel bearings, steering, and a Ford Video Check. The Kuga PHEV Check Up is available to all customers with affected vehicles, and customers are advised to contact their local dealer to make an appointment.

“We are also extending the warranty for high voltage components to 10 year/240,000km, whatever comes first, covering the high voltage battery, for all affected Kuga PHEVs in Europe,” Brankin said – the extended warranty covers all high voltage battery from the first time of registration.

If customers require further assistance or would like to discuss how they are being affected by this recall notification, they are asked to contact the Ford Relationship team on 1800 771 199 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Pictured: The Ford Kuga PHEV.