Ford has issued a global stop-sale and safety recall for more than 300,000 Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles due to a potentially dangerous flaw with the door locking system that could trap occupants inside or lock owners out entirely. The issue affects Mach-E models from the 2021 to 2025 model years and stems from a software problem related to the vehicle’s 12-volt battery system.
The automaker is also currently facing a class-action lawsuit over this very issue.
According to Ford, if the 12V battery discharges unexpectedly—particularly below 8.4 volts—while the vehicle is off, the front door electronic latches may retain their last lock or unlock status. This means if a driver or front passenger exits using the mechanical interior release and then closes the door, it may remain locked with no way to open it from outside.
Rear doors do not have mechanical overrides, posing an even greater risk if young children or vulnerable individuals are left inside.
In Canada, 32,569 vehicles are impacted by the recall. Approximately 197,000 are affected in the United States, with another 120,000 across other global markets. Ford dealers have been instructed to immediately halt deliveries and test drives of all unsold affected vehicles until a fix is implemented.
Ford says it is developing a software update to fix the issue, with the update expected to roll out later this year in Q3 2025. However, the update cannot be delivered over-the-air (OTA) and will require owners to bring their vehicle to a dealership for reprogramming of the powertrain and onboard diagnostic modules.
While no injuries or accidents have been officially reported, Mach-E forums and social media posts have documented several incidents involving occupants being trapped inside or locked out. One widely shared case involved a nine-month-old baby who was stuck inside a Mach-E for 40 minutes before the window had to be broken to gain access.
The Mach-E, which features electric door releases instead of traditional handles, lacks an exterior mechanical keyhole—something Ford’s Lincoln division includes on some models. Critics and plaintiffs in a California class-action lawsuit argue that omitting a manual key option presents unnecessary safety risks.
Owners are advised to monitor their email and mail for official recall notifications or contact their local Ford dealer for further instructions. In the meantime, Ford suggests keeping a portable 12V jump starter handy as a precautionary measure.
