Car manufacturing giant Ford has issued an urgent safety recall affecting nearly 200,000 vehicles in the United States after serious concerns emerged that passengers could become trapped in rear seats during a crash or emergency. The recall, announced by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), specifically targets Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs built between 2021 and 2025.
The root of the problem lies in a software glitch affecting the vehicle’s electronic door latches. If the 12-volt battery in the car drops below a certain charge, the electronic door latches may remain locked after the driver or front passenger exits and closes the doors. This malfunction can prevent back seat occupants—especially children or those unable to operate the mechanical release handles—from opening the doors from the inside, potentially trapping them in the vehicle. The risk is particularly concerning in hot weather or in the event of an accident, where quick exit is critical.
Ford estimates that 100% of the affected vehicles contain this defect. The company became aware of the issue after several reports from owners who experienced difficulty opening the rear doors, including incidents involving children. While no injuries or accidents have been reported so far, the NHTSA and Ford are taking the risk seriously due to the potential for severe injury if someone is unable to exit the vehicle in an emergency.
In response, Ford has issued a stop-sale order for all Mustang Mach-E models currently on dealer lots, though they have not issued a stop-drive order, meaning owners can continue to use their vehicles while awaiting repairs. The fix involves a software update to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module C (SOBDMC), which will be performed free of charge at Ford dealerships. Notification letters will be sent to owners starting June 23, with a follow-up once the repair is available, currently projected for late September.
Owners are advised to watch for warning signs such as a “system off to save power” message on the touchscreen or a blank display after shutting down the vehicle. If the issue occurs, it may be necessary to pull the inside door release handles with extra force to exit through the front. In the meantime, Ford recommends that owners keep a portable jump starter handy, as regaining access to a locked vehicle with a dead battery may require externally powering the car.
This recall affects nearly every Mustang Mach-E sold in the US from 2021 through 2025, as well as over 120,000 vehicles in other global markets, bringing the total to more than 300,000 vehicles worldwide. Ford has removed the problematic component from production as of June 3, 2025, but the recall highlights the challenges of integrating advanced electronic systems into modern vehicles and underscores the importance of thorough safety testing as automotive technology evolves.