Dearborn, MI – June 26, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 48,924 2021 – 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs that may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.
Recall summary
Electric cars have a high-voltage battery that stores the electric charge used to power the vehicle. Due to a design error, frequent fast charging and driving with the accelerator fully depressed can cause the battery to overheat. If this happens, internal battery connectors – which are “electrical contacts” that connect charger to the battery – may deform and detach, cutting off the power supply to the vehicle’s electric motor.
Recall risks
There are several risks associated with this loss of motive power, especially when it happens at highway speeds. You can learn more about stalling risks in this coverage of a Stellantis recall.
Warning signs
Several warnings may appear, depending on what happens to the battery connector. If the connector detaches, a “Stop Safely Now” message will appear on the dashboard and the vehicle will lose power.
The connector may also weld to the battery in which case drivers will not be able to restart the car after shutting it off and will see a powertrain malfunction warning message.
Other Ford recalls
Some of these electric cars may have been affected by a Mustang Mach-E recall from this January involving improperly attached seat belts. Other recent Ford Mustang recalls include one earlier this month caused by a software error that disables the rearview camera and backup lights.
The repair
Ford will launch an over-the-air (OTA) update to the control software. The updated software will monitor the contactor and adjust battery and vehicle power as needed to prevent damage.
Another option is to visit the nearest authorized dealer. In both cases, the repair is free of charge.
Notifications to owners will be sent between July 18, 2022 and July 22, 2022.
Is your vehicle a part of this recall?
This Ford battery recall affects almost 50,000 cars. To do a Ford recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.