The Ford Mustang Mach-E’s design eliminates traditional door handles in favor of an electronic E-Latch system, which is intended to provide a seamless entry experience. However, for some owners, this high-tech approach has turned into a frustrating and potentially dangerous flaw.
A recently filed class action lawsuit in California alleges that the Mach-E’s reliance on battery power for door operation is an oversight that leaves drivers and passengers stranded when the 12-volt battery dies.
Locked Out of Their Own Vehicles
Unlike most electric vehicles that incorporate both electronic and manual unlocking mechanisms, the Mustang Mach-E lacks a traditional key slot or external manual door release. If the vehicle’s battery is depleted, owners have no way to unlock the doors from the outside. The lawsuit, first reported by Car Complaints, argues that Ford failed to provide a proper fail-safe, leaving drivers in a precarious position if their 12-volt battery dies, especially in emergency situations.
Here’s how Ford explains their E-Latch door handle system.
California residents John Salas and Francisco Xavier Gonzalez are leading the charge in the lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. They claim that Ford misrepresented the ease of use of the E-Latch system and failed to warn consumers about its potential drawbacks.
A Safety Hazard for Children and Pets
Beyond the inconvenience of being locked out of their own cars, the lawsuit raises serious safety concerns. While occupants can exit the Mach-E using internal manual levers, young children may struggle to operate them, and pets are completely dependent on external access. This issue was highlighted by a recent incident where a parent found their nine-month-old child locked inside the vehicle, unable to open the doors due to a dead battery.
Jump-Starting: A Complicated Fix
Ford’s official solution for a dead Mach-E is to connect an external 12-volt power source to the front trunk (frunk) battery terminals to restore power to the E-Latch system. However, the necessary equipment is typically stored inside the vehicle—leaving owners in a catch-22 scenario. Even if a driver has access to a jump-starter, they must first remove a cover below the headlight and correctly connect power cables, a process the lawsuit describes as unnecessarily complex and impractical for an average driver.
Legal Action and Potential Outcomes
The class action lawsuit currently applies only to California residents who own or lease 2022-2025 Mustang Mach-E models. If successful, the case could push Ford to introduce a hardware revision, such as adding a hidden key slot or an emergency manual release. Additionally, a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs may set a precedent for stricter safety regulations regarding electronic door mechanisms in future EV designs.
While Ford has yet to officially respond to the lawsuit, this legal challenge could pressure the automaker to reevaluate the design of its E-Latch system. Whether this leads to an industry-wide shift remains to be seen, but for now, Mach-E owners are left hoping for a resolution that ensures they won’t find themselves unexpectedly locked out of their own cars.
