Ford is recalling more than 86,000 Mustang Mach-E in the United States. The issue unfortunately can’t be fixed through an over-the-air (OTA) software update as it relates to exterior trim pieces potentially falling off while the vehicle is being driven.
The recall affects 86,543 model year 2023 to 2025 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the rear side quarter window trim may not have been properly bonded during assembly.
If the trim separates from the vehicle, it could become debris on the road and increase the risk of a crash for other motorists.
The defect isn’t expected to leave owners stranded, and Ford says drivers may notice warning signs before the trim comes off. Loose trim, increased wind noise, squeaks, or rattles around the rear quarter window could all indicate the adhesive bond has begun to fail.
The problem dates back to a manufacturing change made by one of Ford’s suppliers in early 2023. A new assembly fixture was introduced to speed up production, but investigators determined it also shortened the amount of time available for the primer used in the bonding process to cure.
As a result, some trim pieces may not have adhered properly to the glass.
The supplier addressed the issue in late September 2024 by adding a timer to the assembly equipment, ensuring the primer has enough time to cure before the trim is installed, but Ford didn’t issue a recall at the time.
However, they changed their mind earlier this year after noticing a spike in warranty claims. By July 21, the automaker had received 219 reports in the U.S. involving loose or detached trim pieces.
A repair, however, isn’t immediately available. Ford will begin notifying dealers in early September, while owners will receive notification letters beginning September 10 explaining the safety risk. Once replacement parts become available, dealers will inspect the rear quarter window assemblies and replace them if necessary at no charge.
The recall applies to Mustang Mach-E vehicles built between February 17, 2023, and October 8, 2024, with affected VINs becoming searchable through Ford and NHTSA beginning September 7.
You can read the full NHTSA recall notice below. A similar recall has yet to be issued by Transport Canada.
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