Ford Tourneo

2025: Identifying a defect that causes battery gas to poison passengers

In December 2025, Ford's Australian division initiated a recall campaign for Transit Custom and Tourneo models. The reason was a defect in the ventilation of a 12-volt battery, which could lead to the penetration of toxic gases into the cabin and poisoning of the driver and passengers. 7509 vehicles produced from 2021 to 2025 fall under the recall.

According to Ford's official notice, a manufacturing defect may cause the battery vent valve to malfunction. Under certain conditions, for example, in hot weather, this provokes the leakage of harmful gases into the cabin. Owners can recognize the problem from a distinctive hissing sound, a smell of acid or hydrogen sulfide resembling rotten eggs, apparently steam or heating in the seat area. Exposure to these gases poses a health risk to people in the vehicle.

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Фото: Ford

This problem is not new to the company. In October 2025, a similar campaign was announced for 278 Ford E-Transit electric vehicles of the same years of production. As of January 2026, a final repair procedure for the Transit Custom and Tourneo models has yet to be developed.

Ford officials said they will contact the owners of the affected vehicles as soon as the decision is ready. Troubleshooting will be carried out by official dealers for free.

Meanwhile, in early December 2025, a lawsuit USA against Ford Motor Company filed after the death of the driver of a Ford C-Max Hybrid was reported. According to the plaintiffs, 60-year-old Abimael Feliciano died on August 8, 2023 in the city of Dotan (state) Alabama due to poisoning with hydrogen sulfide, which got into the cabin due to a faulty ventilation system of a high-voltage battery. The lawsuit requires the manufacturer to equip hybrid models with additional hazardous gas warning systems.^[1]

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