Ford has announced a major recall affecting nearly 200,000 Mustang Mach-E SUVs from the 2021–2025 model years. The recall was prompted by a software glitch in the door latch system: if the 12-volt auxiliary battery drops too low, the Mach-E’s electronic doors can lock and stay locked. In some cases this could trap people inside or prevent entry. Ford says it has not heard of any crashes or injuries so far, but is cooperating with U.S. safety regulators on the recall and will fix all affected vehicles with a free software update at dealerships.
Door Lock Glitch Explained
Unlike cars with traditional mechanical locks, the Mach-E uses electronic “e-latches” (no external handle or keyhole). Engineers found that if the 12-volt battery unexpectedly dips below about 8.4 volts, the door latches will hold their last locked/unlocked position. In practice, this means if the car was locked when the battery died, closing the doors afterward will keep them locked even though the handles won’t respond. In other words, someone could be locked out – or locked in – the vehicle without warning.
Affected Mach-E Models
The recall covers all Ford Mustang Mach-E SUVs built between February 24, 2020 and June 3, 2025. In U.S. model years 2021–2025, that amounts to 197,432 vehicles. Ford notes that about 120,000 additional Mach-Es in other countries are affected, bringing the global total to well over 300,000 EVs.
Official Details from NHTSA and Ford
In the official NHTSA recall report (Campaign No. 25V-404), Ford describes the defect succinctly: “In the event of an unexpected 12V battery discharge below 8.4V… the doors will remain locked when they are re-closed if the e-latches were locked at the time of 12V battery discharge. This may result in an unexpected lock-out condition”. The NHTSA filing confirms 197,432 Mach-E SUVs (model years 2021–2025) are included in the campaign. For reference, the federal recall number is 25V-404 and Ford’s internal reference is 25S65. Ford and regulators stress that no injuries or crashes have been tied to this issue to date, but they insist on a prompt fix given the risk.
What Mustang Mach-E Owners Should Do
• Check Your VIN: Use Ford’s Recall Lookup (ford.com/support/recalls-details) or NHTSA’s recall search (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and enter your VIN or the campaign number (25V404/25S65) to see if your Mach-E is affected.
• Watch for Recall Notices: Ford began notifying dealers on June 16, 2025. Owners will get an interim recall letter around June 23–27, 2025, and a second notice (detailing the repair) around September 29, 2025.
• Schedule the Software Update: Once notified, take your Mach-E to a Ford dealer for the free repair. The fix is a software update to the powertrain control module – not an over-the-air patch – so a service appointment is required.
• Be Alert to Warnings: If you see messages like “System off to save power,” a blank screen, or have trouble unlocking the doors, treat it as urgent. These are signs of the 12V battery issue. Do not attempt makeshift fixes (like breaking a window) – instead, contact roadside assistance or your dealer immediately.
• Contact Ford or NHTSA: For questions or urgent help, call Ford Customer Service at 1‑866‑436‑7332 (reference recall 25S65) or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1‑888‑327‑4236. They can confirm your next steps and advise if special attention is needed in your situation.
Resources & Next Steps
• NHTSA Recall Lookup: Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls (enter campaign 25V404 or your VIN) to verify your vehicle’s status.
• Ford Recall Page: Use Ford’s official Recall Lookup (select “Recalls & Service Campaigns” and enter your VIN) for updates.
• Dealership Locator: Find and contact your nearest Ford dealer to schedule the software update once you receive your recall notice.
• Hotline Contacts: Ford Support 1‑866‑436‑7332 (recall 25S65) or NHTSA Hotline 1‑888‑327‑4236 can answer questions or concerns.
Stay safe and ensure your Mach-E’s software is updated as soon as possible to avoid the door lock issue.
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