Ford has announced a recall of approximately 35,000 of its Mustang Mach-E electric crossovers in the United States due to concerns that the high-voltage battery contactor within the vehicle might overheat. This could result in a loss of motive power, posing significant safety risks. For the moment, nothing’s been shared by Ford Canada or on Transport Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls database.
2022 Mustang Mach-E Ice White Appearance Package | Photo: Ford
Background on the Recall
The recall specifically targets 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E models equipped with an extended-range battery. This comes on the heels of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiating an inquiry into how Ford managed a previous recall in June 2022, which affected nearly 50,000 of the company’s electric vehicles (EVs).
NHTSA’s Investigation
In August, NHTSA launched what is termed as a “recall query” to investigate Ford’s handling of the June 2022 recall. This inquiry was prompted by 12 consumer complaints alleging failure of the high-voltage battery main contactor in the 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E models that had supposedly been rectified under the June recall.
Previous Recall and Updates
During the June recall, Ford had implemented a two-pronged software update: one to monitor the temperature of the contactor and another to assess its resistance. The aim was to reduce battery power to avert damage to the contactor. Additionally, Ford had issued a technical service bulletin to replace the high-voltage battery junction box on affected vehicles if any failure occurred post-recall.
New Developments
In the recall notification submitted to NHTSA on October 13, Ford disclosed that it had identified 107 instances where an overheated high-voltage contactor led to a loss of power, even after the vehicles had undergone repairs for the earlier recall. Notably, 100 of these instances were reported in Mustang Mach-E GT or extended-range variants. Ford has stated that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries connected to this issue according to Automotive News.
The Fix Ahead
To resolve the current defect, Ford dealerships will replace the high-voltage battery junction box in affected vehicles. Notably, vehicles that were repaired under the June recall will also require this new fix to ensure they are free of the defect.
What’s Next?
The recent recall raises questions about the efficacy of the previous measures taken by Ford and puts a spotlight on the scrutiny by NHTSA into the automaker’s handling of vehicle defects. As Ford navigates through these challenges, consumer and regulatory eyes will remain keenly focused on how the company addresses the safety concerns associated with its high-profile electric vehicles.
