Ford’s massive recall of 200,000 Mustang Mach-E vehicles reveals a dangerous electronic door latch failure that could trap children in the back seat during emergencies or lock out drivers completely.
Key Takeaways
- Ford is recalling 197,432 Mustang Mach-E SUVs (2021-2025 models) due to electronic door latch failures that affect 100% of these vehicles
- The critical safety defect could trap rear-seat passengers, particularly children, inside the vehicle when battery power is low
- Software glitches can also lock drivers out of their vehicles, with multiple owners already experiencing this problem
- Ford will update vehicle software to address the issue, with fix notifications beginning June 23 and repairs expected by late September
- The recall extends beyond the U.S., affecting an additional 120,000 vehicles in other markets
Critical Safety Defect Affects All Mach-E Vehicles
Ford Motor Company has announced a major recall affecting nearly 200,000 electric Mustang Mach-E SUVs manufactured between 2021 and 2025. The recall addresses a serious electronic door latch malfunction that poses significant safety risks to passengers. According to documentation filed with federal regulators, the defect is present in every single one of the affected vehicles, making this recall particularly urgent for Mach-E owners. The problem stems from a software issue that can prevent proper door operation when the vehicle’s battery power runs low.
“Ford states, in documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), that 100 percent of the vehicles have this defect,” stated Ford.
The recall encompasses Mach-E production from February 2020 through June 2025, covering the entire production run of these electric SUVs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is overseeing the recall process, which includes both domestic and international vehicles. While no accidents or injuries have been reported yet, multiple owners have already experienced being locked out of their vehicles, highlighting the real-world impact of this defect. The widespread nature of this recall represents another significant quality control issue for American automakers attempting to transition to electric vehicles.
Dangerous Lockout Scenarios Endanger Passengers
The most concerning aspect of this recall involves potential scenarios where passengers, especially children, could become trapped inside the vehicle. When the Mach-E’s battery power decreases to critical levels, the electronic door latches may fail to operate properly, preventing rear doors from being opened from the outside. This creates a particularly dangerous situation in hot weather, where trapped children could face life-threatening conditions within minutes. The defect also affects the vehicle’s front doors, potentially locking drivers out of their own vehicles.
“Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 200,000 electric Mustangs because the door latches could fail, potentially trapping passengers in the back seat,” stated Ford Motor Co.
Owners of affected vehicles should be alert for warning signs that indicate the door latch system may be malfunctioning. These include a “system to save power” message appearing on the Sync infotainment screen, a completely blank infotainment display, or difficulty using the inside door release handle. If any of these symptoms occur, owners should immediately contact their Ford dealer for assistance. The severity of this safety issue is underscored by Ford’s acknowledgment that every single vehicle in the recall population contains this defect.
Recall Process and Remediation Timeline
Ford will begin notifying affected Mustang Mach-E owners by mail starting June 23, directing them to schedule necessary service appointments. The fix will involve updating the vehicle’s software, with the complete remedy expected to be available by late September. Owners will not be charged for this safety-related repair. In the meantime, owners with concerns can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, referencing recall number 25S65, or reach out to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
“The Ford spokesperson told CBS News they are not aware of any injuries or accidents associated with the faulty door latches and said the company is issuing a software update to address the recall,” said Ford spokesperson.
This recall follows a previous large-scale Ford recall involving over 1 million Ford and Lincoln vehicles due to a rearview camera software glitch, highlighting ongoing quality control challenges for the American automaker. The extensive nature of these recalls raises serious questions about Ford’s quality assurance processes for its electric vehicle lineup, which has been heavily promoted as the future of the company. President Trump has frequently emphasized the importance of robust American manufacturing, and these recurring quality issues demonstrate the challenges facing domestic automakers in the competitive global market.
