In the notice, Ford said it is recalling 197,432 of its 2021-2025 Mustang Mach-E vehicles, noting that if the battery charge drops below 8.4 volts, the SUVs’ electronic door latches may stay locked after the driver or front passenger exits and closes the door. It also stated that the issue could “possibly trap someone unable to use the inside door release handles, such as a child in the back seat.”
The recall notice also warns that the latch issue can be especially dangerous in hot weather.
“At key-off, a customer may notice the SYNC screen displaying a ‘system off to save power’ warning, or a blank screen,” the notice states.
“When exiting the vehicle through a front door, a customer may notice the inside release handle needs to be pulled further than normal to unlatch the door.”
On Jan. 10, the NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) team contacted Ford’s Automotive Safety Office (ASO) regarding six vehicle owner questionnaires in which customers described being unable to open Mustang Mach-E doors after their vehicle’s 12V battery discharged. In two of the questionnaires, customers mentioned being unable to open their vehicle with children inside.
A week later, Ford shared details with NHTSA officials about how to get in and out of the Mach-E if the 12V battery dies. On Jan. 21, this issue was added to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) for further review, including insights from a 2022 investigation that also raised questions.
“The prior investigation evaluated the e-latch mechanism behavior in the event of a 12V battery discharge,” the notice states.
“To gain access from the exterior of the vehicle in the event of a discharged 12V battery and locked doors, the customer must jump the 12V battery by first gaining access to the trunk using a 12V power supply on the leads hidden below the vehicle’s right headlamp.”
In March, Ford’s ASO team met with NHTSA and shared the findings of its investigation, planning a future vehicle demonstration. After further meetings in May and June, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the issues and approved a recall on June 6.
This Mustang Mach E repair highlights a concerning trend in quality control and safety issues within the Detroit automaker’s recall activity in 2025, with 81 recalls issued to date. With only half the year gone, that surpasses the 63 recalls made in the previous year, according to data from the (NHTSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Besides the Mach-E recall, Ford is also recalling 132,914 Aviator SUVs in the U.S. because the rear door window bars and other parts may detach due to inadequate adhesive hold, NHTSA said on June 24. The Ford Aviators affected include 2020-2025 models built at the company’s Chicago Assembly Plant over the past seven years.
Introduced for sale in late 2020, the Mach-E is part of the Mustang lineup featuring several SUV variants and pricing options. In May 2022, Ford initiated a targeted recall for 2021 Mach-E AWD models due to "an issue with unintended acceleration, deceleration, and/or a loss of power."
Ford explained that this issue was caused by functional safety software failing to detect a software error during operation, which led to unintended acceleration, deceleration, or a loss of drive power.
For customers affected by the current recall, Ford dealers can update the powertrain control module (PCM) and the secondary on-board diagnostic control module software at no charge. Ford said it has conducted eleven investigations into the Mach-E issues after receiving hundreds of complaints.
Ford stated it sent interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk on June 24. Additional letters will be mailed once the remedy is available, which is expected by Sept. 29, 2025. The Mach-E vehicles affected by the recall were produced between Feb. 24, 2020, and June 3, 2025. The recalled part was removed from production on June 3.
Owners can also contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S65.