NHTSA Probes Ford’s Mustang Mach-E Recall Solution: What You Need to Know!
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a recall query into Ford's response to a June 2022 recall involving the Ford Mustang Mach-E. This investigation comes on the heels of a Ford safety recall that affected nearly 49,000 Mustang Mach-E models from 2021-2022, produced between May 27, 2020, and May 24, 2022.
Central to the recall was a defect where the vehicle's high-voltage battery main contactors could overheat, especially from DC fast charging and during "repeated wide-open pedal events." This overheating could lead to bending or deformation, potentially causing power loss or preventing the vehicle from starting.
As a remedy, Ford paused deliveries, rolled out two software updates aimed at monitoring contactor temperatures and reducing battery power, and advised the replacement of the affected unit. However, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has since received 12 complaints from customers who faced the same problem post-fix, prompting the current recall query. One particular owner reported a battery junction box failure just two days after the software update. As of now, around 64,727 Mustang Mach-E models are under the NHTSA's lens.
Ford's spokesperson, Maria Buczkowski, stated that Ford is actively collaborating with the NHTSA throughout the investigation. Amid this scenario, Ford witnessed a 20% sales drop for the Mustang Mach-E in Q2, year-on-year. However, after adjustments at its Mexico production site, the Mustang Mach-E inventory saw improvements, leading to a 110% sales boost in June, as mentioned by Andrew Frick, Ford's VP of sales distribution.
Moreover, Ford recently announced a significant price cut on its F-150 Lightning electric truck following enhancements at its Michigan-based Rouge Electric Vehicle Center.
It's noteworthy that Ford has topped the recall charts this year, with a total of 38 recalls - the highest by any automaker. Stay tuned for more updates on the ongoing Mach-E recall investigation.
