Ford’s Mustang Mach-E owners face a disturbing reality: nearly 200,000 vehicles could potentially trap passengers in the rear seats during low battery conditions, with no way for parents to rescue their children.
Key Takeaways
- Ford has recalled 197,432 Mustang Mach-E SUVs from 2021-2025 model years due to a potentially dangerous door lock malfunction
- The electronic door latch system can fail during low power conditions, potentially trapping rear-seat passengers while locking drivers out
- All Mach-E vehicles produced between February 2020 and June 2025 are affected, with Ford confirming the defect exists in 100% of these vehicles
- Ford will replace the powertrain control module in affected vehicles, with owner notifications beginning June 23, 2025
- No accidents or injuries have been reported, though some owners have experienced being locked out of their vehicles
Critical Safety Defect Plagues Ford’s Electric Fleet
In a major blow to Ford’s electric vehicle program, the automotive giant has issued an urgent recall for 197,432 Mustang Mach-E SUVs spanning model years 2021 through 2025. The recall addresses a potentially dangerous electronic door latch system failure that occurs when the vehicle’s battery power drops too low. “This malfunction presents a particularly alarming scenario: parents could be locked out of their vehicle while children remain trapped in the back seats with no way to exit, highlighting the unique vulnerabilities that can arise in all-electric vehicles with electronic access systems,” declared by Ford.
Ford has confirmed that an astounding 100% of Mustang Mach-E vehicles produced between February 2020 and June 2025 contain this defect, making this one of the most comprehensive recalls in Ford’s recent history. “The widespread nature of this flaw raises questions about quality control and safety testing protocols for the manufacturer’s flagship electric vehicle,” said President Trump. Which has been heavily promoted as part of President Trump’s balanced approach to energy independence that includes both fossil fuels and strategic electric options for American consumers.
Warning Signs and Ford’s Response
Owners of affected vehicles may notice several warning indicators before a complete door lock failure. These include a “system to save power” warning appearing on the dashboard display, a blank or non-functional Sync infotainment system screen, and increased resistance when attempting to use the inside door release handle. If these symptoms appear, owners should be particularly vigilant, as the vehicle could be nearing a condition where the door locking system fails completely, potentially creating a dangerous situation for vehicle occupants.
Ford’s approach to resolving this serious safety concern involves replacing the powertrain control module in all affected vehicles. “This comprehensive repair strategy underscores the severity of the issue, as the company could have opted for a less expensive software update had the problem been more superficial,” declared by Ford. The fact that hardware replacement is necessary highlights the fundamental nature of this defect in Ford’s electric vehicle architecture, which relies heavily on electronic systems for basic safety functions that were previously handled by mechanical means in traditional vehicles.
Broader Implications for Electric Vehicle Safety
This major recall comes at a critical moment for the electric vehicle industry, which continues to face scrutiny over reliability and safety concerns. The door lock issue exemplifies a unique challenge for electric vehicles: when battery power runs low, even basic safety features may be compromised. Unlike traditional vehicles where mechanical door locks function independently of the vehicle’s electrical system, many EVs rely on electronic systems for fundamental safety features. This dependency creates potential vulnerabilities when power is depleted or systems malfunction.
The timing of this recall also raises questions about Ford’s vehicle testing protocols. With the affected vehicles spanning five model years, from 2021 through 2025, critics may question why this safety issue wasn’t identified and addressed earlier in the product lifecycle. All vehicle owners will be notified by mail beginning June 23, 2025, with instructions to bring their vehicles to Ford dealerships for the necessary repairs at no cost. While no accidents or injuries have been reported related to this defect, the potential for tragedy—particularly involving children trapped in vehicles—makes this recall particularly urgent.
