battery draining frequently

Question

I have a 2022 Ford Maverick, XL hybrid.

Currently about 35k miles, bought new.

I've had recurring issues where my battery would be drained every six months since about the time I bought the truck. It's otherwise been a pretty functional and great truck. However, this intermitted dying has gotten worse and worse. I am finding that both the dealership and Ford have not easy to assist in the issue.

Currently, my truck had the battery replaced about five months ago. About three weeks ago it had died again. I stressed to them about it only being replaced a few months ago. This time they charged me for the battery replacement, about 300 dollars. Last week, I was told that it was dead again. They charged the battery up. I've been trying to reach back out to Ford about the issue. They have two cases open with me now and it's been frustrating getting answers from them. They mention that there's no fix right now but they are expecting something "end of Q1". I understand it sounds like a rough issue, I get it.

However this leaves few major questions for me. The battery dying after two weeks is a major red flag, if it dies again before this fix, are they going to be charging me every time it happens? It's wild to think I might need to pay 300 every 2-6 months for a new battery for a new truck. When I ask about this, Ford goes quiet and I have to track someone down after ignoring me a few days to a week.

Is the vehicle even safe to drive right now? I haven't been offered a loaner or anything. Everytime this has happened, it takes them at least a few days to charge the battery or replace it. I'm scared to drive outside of the city.

My trucks been at the dealership about two weeks now while I've been trying to get answers from Ford but they've not responded to any emails and calling only results in full voicemails and transfers back to voicemails.

Any advice would be appreciated, I feel helpless with how to handle this situation. I'm trying to follow the necessary tracks but I am just getting no where.

Please and thank you to any help on this issue.

Oskool · Accepted Answer

It seems highly likely there's a parasitic power draw issue with the vehicle that's draining the battery.

There appears to be a 3-year/36,000-mile manufacturer warranty. It also appears both Ford and the dealership are giving you the run around until the warranty expires.

I would look into your state's lemon laws as suggested above seeing as multiple repairs have been attempted on the vehicle and it's still not fixed. Usually there's a limit to the number of repairs before the lemon law takes effect.

Another route to go is tracking down the cause of the parasitic draw and fixing it, or having someone else fix it.

https://youtu.be/6xFo_oHFF48

Obviously Ford is incapable or unwilling to fix the parasitic draw issue. I don't believe Ford technicians are paid to diagnose issues. They're probably only paid flat rate to change parts.

I also heard they're required to follow the steps in repair flow charts. With the last step usually being "replace the engine computer" even though that's usually not the issue. They usually only start replacing everything in the flow chart if the vehicle's out of warranty and you're paying for everything yourself.

My Sister took her Jeep Grand Cherokee to the dealership because it was bucking due to a transfer case issue. They told her it needed a new battery and charged her $800 for a battery replacement. It didn't fix the issue. Then they wanted to replace the whole transfer case for $6,000. A family member ended up replacing a transfer case module under the drivers seat for less than $100 and it's been driving good ever since.

Chuck Tobias · Answer

Check your state's lemon law.