Ford Mustang Mach-E owners are facing a nightmarish scenario where their children could become trapped inside vehicles with failing door locks, prompting a massive recall of nearly 200,000 vehicles across the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Ford is recalling 197,432 Mustang Mach-E SUVs (2021-2025) due to electronic door latch failures that could trap passengers inside or lock owners out of their vehicles
- The defect is particularly dangerous for children in the rear seats, especially in extreme heat conditions
- The issue occurs when the vehicle’s battery power is low, affecting 100% of the specified models according to Ford
- Ford will notify owners by June 23 with a software update expected by late September to fix the problem
- This recall includes an additional 120,000 vehicles in markets outside the U.S., bringing the total to over 300,000 affected vehicles
Safety Crisis for American Families
The Ford Mustang Mach-E, once heralded as the future of American electric vehicles, is now at the center of a critical safety recall that affects nearly 200,000 vehicles in the United States alone. The recall, announced this week, stems from a dangerous defect in the electronic door latch system that could prevent passengers from exiting the vehicle or lock owners out entirely. The problem is particularly concerning for families with children who may become trapped in the rear seats during an emergency situation.
The scope of this safety crisis is far-reaching, encompassing Mustang Mach-E SUVs from model years 2021 through 2025. Production of the affected models began in February 2020 and continued through June 2025, meaning virtually every Mach-E on American roads could have this potentially life-threatening defect. According to documentation Ford submitted to federal safety regulators, 100% of these vehicles contain the faulty system, making this one of the most comprehensive recalls in recent memory.
Technical Failure and Warning Signs
The heart of the problem lies in a software glitch that affects the vehicle’s door locks when battery power runs low. When this occurs, the Sync infotainment system may display a “system to save power” message or go completely blank, while the interior door handles become increasingly difficult to operate. As the power continues to deplete, passengers—particularly children in the rear seats—may find themselves unable to exit the vehicle, creating a potentially dangerous situation.
“Ford states, in documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), that 100 percent of the vehicles have this defect,” stated Ford.
Equally concerning is the possibility that the same defect could lock drivers and front passengers out of their vehicles entirely. Several owners have already reported being unable to access their Mach-Es due to this malfunction, though thankfully no accidents or injuries have been reported yet. The risk is particularly acute in extreme weather conditions, where being trapped inside or outside a vehicle could quickly become a life-threatening emergency for vulnerable passengers like children and the elderly.
Ford’s Response and Timeline for Repairs
Ford has acknowledged the severity of the issue and is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to implement a nationwide recall. The company will begin notifying affected owners by mail starting June 23, with a complete software update expected to be available by late September. This lengthy timeline for a fix raises questions about what Mach-E owners should do in the meantime to ensure their families’ safety during the summer months.
“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.
Owners seeking more immediate information can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, referencing recall number 25S65. Additional details are also available through the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or their website. The recall extends beyond America’s borders, with an additional 120,000 vehicles affected in international markets, bringing the total to over 300,000 Mach-Es requiring repairs worldwide.
Pattern of Quality Control Issues
This massive recall follows closely on the heels of another Ford safety action involving over 1 million Ford and Lincoln vehicles due to a rearview camera software glitch. The recurring nature of these software-related safety problems raises serious questions about quality control at one of America’s oldest automakers as it transitions toward electric vehicles. For conservative consumers who value reliability and family safety above the latest technological trends, these failures reinforce skepticism about rushing toward electric vehicle adoption without proper testing.
The Mustang Mach-E’s door latch defect also highlights the unique vulnerabilities of electric vehicles compared to their traditional counterparts. In a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle, mechanical door locks typically continue functioning regardless of battery status. The increasing reliance on electronic systems for basic safety functions creates new failure points that weren’t present in older, simpler automotive designs—a troubling development for families that depend on their vehicles’ reliability.
