NHTSA Investigating Ford For Mach-E Recall Glitches

In June of this year Ford Motor Company recalled all 48,924 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles in the US because the high-voltage battery main contactors may overheat, melt and fail causing a sudden power loss in the worst case. The potentially unsafe vehicles were built in Mexico (Cuautitlan) May 27, 2020 through May 24, 2022. Ford at that time said it had a software update in process so that dealers can update the on-board software, free of charge as required by law. (AutoInformed: Too Darn Hot – Ford Mustang Mach-E Recall)

According to a story by Reuters published today, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is now investigating Ford to see if the recall was mishandled and did not full address the problem because of continuing owner complaints that the vehicles suddenly stopped.

On original recalled Mustangs, Direct Current (“DC”) fast charging and repeated-wide open accelerator pedal movements can cause the high-voltage battery main contactors to overheat. This overheating can lead to arcing and deformation of the electrical contact surfaces, which can result in an electric relay switch remaining open or one that welds itself closed from heat. Ford in June had not issued instructions to stop driving the vehicles under this safety recall?

Mustang Mach E Recall

1. Should the contactors weld closed while driving, a powertrain malfunction warning light will be illuminated on the next drive cycle, and the Mustang won’t start.
2. If the contactors open while driving, the Mustang will experience an immediate loss of motive power as a powertrain malfunction warning light illuminates on the instrument panel. The vehicle will coast to a stop, and all 12-volt systems including power brakes and steering remains functional.

Under the originally plan, Dealers would update the on-board software. A software update via Over-The-Air was also expected. Owner notification letters were expected to be mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 22S41. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.