I have a 2026 F-250 diesel with 6K miles on it that caught fire about 3-5 minutes after using it to jumpstart a UTV. I ensured to cook all cables up correctly, as I've jumpstarted many times, but the first time with this vehicle, utilizing the drivers side battery. Jumping the UTV went just fine as expected, and I disconnected the cables and shut the truck hood with no sparks, smoke, or flames at the time. Within 3-5 minutes, I noticed there were flames coming from inside my truck at the center dashboard area. We attempted to extinguish the fire ourselves, but the fire department was ultimately called. If my son had not gotten out of the truck to get into the UTV with me, he would have been in the back seat when the fire started. The truck was pulled close to my barn when the fire started, which caused damage to the barn. A fire investigator hired by my insurance, and the fire marshal came out to my home to inspect the truck, and both determined it was not my fault the truck caught fire. There were no warning labels indicating the drivers side battery should not be used to jump start vehicles. The fire investigator stopped at a local ford house, and none of the employees were aware the drivers side battery should not be used to jumpstart vehicles either. I found information online that mentions fires occurring in 2025 & 2026 due to cracked fuel return lines, and engine heater block problems. The fire investigator stated if I was able to find that information online, that the manufacturer likely knows there are problems, and chose to sell the vehicles anyways. My truck is currently waiting to be inspected by a Ford Engineer to try and determine the cause. This fire put myself, my son, barn, and animals at risk. If Ford knows about any potential fire hazards, they should have never released the truck for sale. Due to the fire, I had smoke inhalation, and visited my PCP a few days after. I'm still waiting for the fire departments report.
NHTSA ODI 11715611