Ford 12-Volt Battery Lawsuit: Is Your Maverick or Bronco Sport Included?

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

A new class action lawsuit accuses Ford Motor Company and Camel Group (USA) Battery Inc. of equipping certain vehicles with defective12-volt batteries.

The suit alleges that the companies were responsible for the design, manufacturing, marketing, and servicing of these batteries, which may be prone to unexpected failure.

As reported by CarComplaints, the case—Erika Ortega v. Ford Motor Company and Camel Group (USA) Battery, Inc.—was brought before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Plaintiff Erika Ortega, who owns a Bronco Sport, argues that affected owners face a serious safety risk, as the batteries could fail while driving, increasing the potential for a crash.

Why Was the Ford 12-Volt Battery Lawsuit Filed?

The 2025 Ford 12-Volt Battery Lawsuit targeting Ford Motor Company and Camel Group (USA) Battery Inc. stems from allegations that a prior recall addressing 12-volt battery issues in certain Ford Maverick and Bronco Sport models was insufficient.

Although Ford initially issued a recall to remedy power loss concerns tied to the 12-volt battery system, the lawsuit argues that the proposed solutions—battery replacements and software updates—failed to fully resolve the underlying defect.

According to the plaintiff, the recall did not tackle the root cause of the issue. Instead, affected vehicle owners are still dealing with unreliable batteries and ongoing safety risks, including the possibility of sudden power loss and stalling.

The lawsuit expresses frustration that Ford’s fixes left many vehicles vulnerable, despite the company’s public efforts to address the problem.

Following a related investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford expanded the recall to include 273,000 Maverick and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with batteries supplied by Camel.

The automaker instructed dealers to replace the affected units with BAGM-48H6-760 batteries. However, a second recall was later issued for more than 12,800 vehicles after some dealerships reportedly failed to correctly implement required software updates.

The lead plaintiff in the case, who received a recall notice, argues that Ford’s remedy is not only inadequate but also burdensome.

She claims the so-called fix will require her to spend considerable time bringing her vehicle to a dealership and has ultimately diminished the value of her Ford Bronco Sport.

In the complaint, she emphasizes that unless a more effective and comprehensive recall is issued, further battery failures should be expected.

“Defendants’ Recall is no more than an ineffective waste of time as there is no true fix for the Defect,” the lawsuit states, pointing out that the recall raises more concerns than it resolves.

The complaint also highlights the financial and time burden placed on vehicle owners, stating: “Defendants’ Recall amounts to tens of thousands of hours and dollars needlessly taken from Plaintiff and other Class Vehicle owners.”

Which Vehicles Are Equipped with the 12-Volt Battery?

The recall centers on specific Ford models outfitted with 12-volt batteries that may be prone to internal defects. According to the lawsuit and related reports, the affected vehicles include:

• 2021–2024 Ford Bronco Sport
• 2022–2023 Ford Maverick

These vehicles were reportedly equipped with batteries that could experience weld and cast-on strap failures.

These defects increase the risk of sudden battery deterioration, which could result in a total loss of drive power—raising serious safety concerns for drivers and passengers alike.

Has There Been a Ford 12-Volt Battery Recall?

Yes, Ford has issued a recall for certain 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles due to defective 12-volt batteries.

These batteries are prone to internal weld and strap failures, which could cause sudden power loss or stalling while driving, potentially making the vehicles unsafe to operate.

Although Ford initially addressed the issue with a recall, the lawsuit claims that the remedy, which involved replacing the faulty batteries, was insufficient.

The plaintiff argues that the fix does not resolve the underlying defect and that the vehicles remain at risk of further failures.

Ford’s recall includes over 272,000 vehicles, and affected owners are being offered a battery replacement at no cost.

However, some vehicle owners have reported that the recall remedy still leaves them with unresolved safety concerns. For more information on the recall and affected vehicles, you can visit Ford 12-Volt Battery Recall Details.

Legal Considerations for Affected Owners

For owners of 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Ford Maverick models affected by the 12-volt battery defect, there are several legal considerations to keep in mind.

Joining a Class Action Lawsuit

One primary option is joining the ongoing class action lawsuit against Ford and Camel Group (USA) Battery Inc., which addresses concerns that the recall and repairs have not sufficiently resolved the battery defect. Here are key details to keep in mind if you’re considering participation:

• Automatic Inclusion: Most class action lawsuits are opt-out, meaning affected individuals are automatically included unless they actively choose to exclude themselves. If you own one of the affected vehicles, you might already be part of the lawsuit without needing to take additional action.
• Notification: If you qualify to join the class action, you will likely receive a notification via mail or email, providing further instructions on how to proceed.
• Claim Form: In the event of a settlement, you will need to complete a claim form to receive compensation for the inconvenience and risks posed by the defective batteries.
• No Upfront Costs: Class action lawsuits generally do not require any upfront legal fees. Attorneys representing the class typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if the case is successful.

Filing an Individual Lemon Law Claim

If your 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport or 2022-2023 Ford Maverick continues to experience issues due to the 12-volt battery defect, despite the recall and repair attempts, you may have grounds for a lemon law claim.

Lemon laws protect consumers whose vehicles have recurring, unresolved defects that significantly affect the vehicle’s use, safety, or value.

In the case of the Ford 12-volt battery issue, if the defect persists and the repairs are inadequate, you may be entitled to a buyback or a replacement vehicle.

Here are key factors to consider when pursuing a lemon law claim for the Ford 12-volt battery problem:

• Eligibility: To qualify, your vehicle must experience significant defects—like repeated battery failures or stalling issues—that impair its safety, use, or value. Additionally, Ford must have had a reasonable number of attempts to fix the issue.
• Documentation: It is critical to keep detailed records of all repair attempts related to the 12-volt battery defect. This includes service invoices, correspondence with the dealership, and any communication with Ford regarding the recall or repair process. Documentation will strengthen your claim.
• State-Specific Laws: Lemon laws vary by state, so it’s important to understand the specific criteria in your state. Some states allow for a buyback or replacement vehicle after a certain number of failed repair attempts, while others may offer cash compensation or repairs.
• Legal Assistance: Consulting with a lemon law attorney can help you understand the best course of action for your specific situation. A qualified attorney can guide you through the process, ensure your rights are protected, and assist in maximizing your potential compensation.

If your Ford vehicle has been affected by the 12-volt battery defect, it’s important to explore all legal avenues.

Whether you’re joining a class action lawsuit or pursuing an individual lemon law claim, legal expertise can help you make informed decisions and protect your interests.

If your Ford vehicle has been affected by the 12-volt battery defect—whether due to ongoing issues after the recall, technical service bulletins, or persistent malfunctions—it’s essential to understand your legal options.

Whether you’re considering joining a class action lawsuit or pursuing an individual lemon law claim, speaking with a knowledgeable attorney can help clarify your rights and determine the best course of action.

Below is an approximate range of potential settlements for Ford models impacted by this 12-volt battery issue:

*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

Questions? Get in Touch with Experts in Lemon Law!

Owners of Ford vehicles, including the 2021–2024 Bronco Sport and 2022–2023 Maverick, have reported ongoing problems tied to a defective 12-volt battery system.

Despite recall efforts and attempted repairs, many drivers continue to experience issues such as unexpected stalling, electrical failures, or the vehicle failing to start—problems that can impact both safety and reliability.

If your Ford has suffered repeated battery-related failures, especially while still under warranty, you may qualify for relief under your state’s lemon law.

Since 2009, our team at the Lemon Law Experts has successfully assisted thousands of consumers in obtaining vehicle buybacks, replacements, or financial compensation. We offer free case evaluations and are here to help you determine if you have a valid claim.

Don’t let these battery issues disrupt your daily life—contact us today to learn more about your legal options.