If you own a Ford Mustang Mach-E in Australia, you need to know about an important safety recall that could affect your family’s wellbeing. Ford has issued a significant recall for over 1,000 Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs across Australia due to a door latch safety issue that could potentially trap passengers inside the vehicle.
This isn’t just another routine recall notice – it’s a serious safety concern that particularly affects families with children who may not know how to operate emergency door releases.
What’s the Problem?
The issue centers around the Mustang Mach-E’s electronic door latch system. When your car’s 12-volt battery drops below 8.4 volts, the electronic door latches can malfunction in a dangerous way. Here’s what happens:
Your doors might remain locked from the outside even after you’ve exited the vehicle. This means if someone is still inside – especially a child, elderly person, or anyone who can’t operate the manual door release – they could become trapped.
The problem gets worse in extreme weather conditions. Imagine a child stuck inside a car during Australia’s scorching summer heat. That’s exactly the nightmare scenario Ford is working to prevent.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Models Recalled | Ford Mustang Mach-E (2021-2025) |
| Australian Vehicles | Over 1,000 units |
| Global Recall Total | Over 317,000 vehicles worldwide |
| Production Period | February 2020 – June 2025 |
| Recall Reference | Ford #25S65, NHTSA #25V-404 |
| Affected Components | Electronic door latch system |
| Battery Threshold | 12V battery below 8.4 volts |
| Expected Fix Date | September-October 2025 |
Warning Signs to Watch For
You might notice these warning indicators before the door latch problem occurs:
Your Sync infotainment screen shows a “system to save power” message or goes completely blank when the key is off. Another telltale sign is when you exit through a front door, you’ll need to pull the interior handle much harder than usual to get the door to unlatch.
Some Mustang Mach-E owners have already experienced being completely locked out of their vehicles, unable to get back in even with professional help from roadside assistance services.
Real-World Impact
This isn’t theoretical – real families have already faced this terrifying situation. One parent reported their nine-month-old baby was trapped inside their Mach-E for 40 minutes. Even AAA roadside assistance couldn’t unlock the vehicle, forcing the family to smash a window to rescue their child.
Ford has documented at least three cases where children were trapped in rear seats after the 12-volt battery discharged. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported yet, but the potential for serious harm during extreme weather is significant.
Emergency Workaround
If you find yourself in this situation, here’s what Ford recommends: pull the interior door handle once to unlock, then pull it a second time to open the door. This manual override works even when the electronic system fails.
What Ford Is Doing
Ford has taken this recall seriously by implementing an immediate stop-sale order. No new Mustang Mach-E vehicles can be delivered or test-driven until the software fix is installed.
The company is sending recall notification letters to all affected owners and will provide a second notification once the software update becomes available. Ford expects the remedy to be ready by late September 2025.
The Technical Fix
Ford’s solution involves updating software in two key vehicle systems: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module C (SOBDMC). This isn’t something you can download at home – you’ll need to visit an authorized Ford dealer for the update.
What You Should Do
If you own a Mustang Mach-E from 2021-2025, contact your local Ford dealer immediately to check if your vehicle is affected. The recall is searchable by VIN number on Ford’s website.
Don’t wait for the mail notification – be proactive about your family’s safety. Schedule your appointment as soon as the software fix becomes available.
Remember, all recall repairs are completely free of charge, regardless of whether you bought your vehicle new or used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is my Mustang Mach-E safe to drive?
A: Yes, the vehicle is safe to drive, but avoid situations where the 12V battery might become discharged, and always ensure you know the emergency door release procedure.
Q: Will Ford cover all repair costs?
A: Absolutely. All recall-related repairs, including the software update, are completely free of charge to vehicle owners.
Q: How long will the dealer repair take?
A: The software update is expected to be completed while you wait, though exact timing may vary depending on your dealer’s schedule.
Contact Information
For questions about this recall, contact Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 13 36 73. You can also check your vehicle’s recall status online using your VIN number.
This recall affects thousands of Australian families, but Ford’s proactive approach and the availability of a software fix means this safety issue will soon be resolved. Stay informed, stay safe, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Ford if you have any concerns about your Mustang Mach-E.
