Ford’s electronic door latch failure in nearly 200,000 Mustang Mach-E SUVs could trap children in the backseat during low battery situations, prompting an urgent nationwide recall.
Key Takeaways
- Ford is recalling 197,432 Mustang Mach-E SUVs from model years 2021-2025 due to a dangerous electronic door latch failure
- The defect could trap rear-seat passengers, especially children, inside vehicles when battery power runs low
- Ford confirms 100% of the recalled vehicles have this defect, with software updates scheduled to begin by late September
- While no injuries have been reported, the risk is particularly concerning in extreme heat conditions
Critical Safety Defect in Electric SUVs
Ford Motor Company has announced a major recall affecting nearly 200,000 Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs in the United States, with an additional 120,000 vehicles affected in international markets. The recall addresses a potentially dangerous electronic door latch failure that could trap passengers, particularly children, inside the vehicle when the battery power runs low. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is overseeing the recall, which includes vehicles manufactured between February 2020 and June 2025, encompassing all model years from 2021 through 2025.
“Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 200,000 electric Mustangs because the door latches could fail, potentially trapping passengers in the back seat,” confirmed Ford Motor Co.
How the Defect Manifests
The safety issue occurs specifically when the vehicle’s battery power drops to low levels, preventing the electronic door locks from operating properly. Owners may first notice warning signs, including a “system to save power” message on the Sync infotainment system or difficulty using the inside door release handle. In worst-case scenarios, the software glitch can lock drivers and front passengers out of their vehicles while potentially trapping rear-seat occupants, particularly children, inside. This presents a heightened danger in extreme weather conditions, especially during summer heat.
“System to save power,” stated the Sync infotainment screen.
Widespread Manufacturing Defect
The scope of this recall is particularly concerning because Ford has explicitly acknowledged that 100% of the affected vehicles contain this defect. This admission highlights significant quality control issues in the production of one of Ford’s flagship electric vehicles. While Ford has stated that no accidents or injuries have been reported due to this defect, several owners have already experienced being locked out of their vehicles. The company is taking immediate action to address these safety concerns through a comprehensive software update.
“Ford states, in documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), that 100 percent of the vehicles have this defect,” stated Ford.
Repair Timeline and Owner Notification
Ford plans to notify affected Mustang Mach-E owners by mail starting June 23, with software updates expected to be available by late September. The fix will involve updating the vehicles’ powertrain control module to address the door latch failure issue. Owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with reference to recall number 25S65 for more information. Additional assistance is available through the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or by visiting the NHTSA website. This recall follows another recent Ford recall involving over 1 million Ford and Lincoln vehicles for a rearview camera software glitch.
“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 the Ford spokesperson.
