<GASP> This is the same phenomena that is also appearing as the "dead battery." This is an "unexpected, adverse emergent AI behavior" that is not uncommon in sensor rich, complex electromechanical (robotics) AI software systems. Looks like Ford is trying to cover up this Artificial Intelligence reality much like Toyota's "floor mats" that caused the WOT events resulting in several deaths.
If you had been in heavy, high speed traffic, fatalities could have occurred. Ford MUST acknowledge this issue in their FS AWD before folks are killed due to an unexpected dead battery or the AWD going haywire very unexpectedly. Ford should be front and center and not hiding behind dealers regarding these life threatening software issues. My company has addressed these kinds of aberrant AI issues for nearly 20 years.
Toyota very quietly patented the fix to the WOT issue that killed several and scared many. Fact.