NHTSA Complaint #11505530 — 2022 FORD ESCAPE PHEV

The plastic coolant nipple mounted on the high voltage battery was damaged and the dealership has determined that coolant may have entered the high voltage battery. If coolant did (or could easily) enter the battery, this would be a significant fire hazard and could lead to significant injury or death. The damaged part has been confirmed by the dealership, no one can identify how the damage could have occurred and the least unlikely cause is that I contacted a small animal without knowledge. No noticeable signs of impact (including leftover fur or organic material has been found anywhere under the vehicle. No dents, dings or other damage has been found by myself, the insurance company or the dealership and the location of this damaged nipple is somewhat isolated such that there would need to be some other signs if a more rigid object was contacted. I have tried to reach out to Ford corporate for a more thorough review and discussion but have not yet been successful. No prior issues related to the battery issue existed prior to its failure. I have a unique background that I feel uniquely qualifies me to complete this review and would very much embrace an opportunity to further discuss my concerns to ensure a full evaluation is performed by the appropriate personnel. The automobile is still at the dealership and pending repair/replacement of the battery. Assuming the part was not damaged prior to my taking delivery (I purchased new) and if the damage was truly caused by a small animal, small enough to not crack, dent or leave a tuft of fur, then there is no doubt this design has a flaw with serious safety concerns. Under common conditions, this could lead to a battery fire and under realistic conditions this could lead to death. Metal shield to protect the hoses from deflection that could break nipple, redesign plastic nipple to more rigid material (metal). (Other considerations, there is a defect in the molded nipple and a recall is in order)