Ford Recalls 35,000 Mustang Mach-Es, GTs for Power Loss

Ford Motor Co. is calling back roughly 35,000 Mustangs that could unexpectedly lose power on the road, the automaker recently told federal regulators.

The recall covers certain 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-Es and GT sport utility vehicles with extended-range batteries, according to Ford. Overheating in the vehicles’ high voltage battery contractors could cause power loss in vehicles with extended-range batteries, according to the manufacturer.

“An overheated contactor that is prevented from properly closing while driving can result in a loss of motive power, which can increase the risk of a crash,” Ford said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

This is the second time that Ford has recalled the vehicles over the same issue, the Detroit Free Press reports. The company called back nearly 50,000 Mach-E vehicles in June 2022. By August, NHTSA had contacted Ford to express concerns that a planned fix - a software patch - was not working because drivers continued to complain of votive power loss in the vehicles.

The cars have already been called back a total of four times for various safety issues, according to the news outlet.

Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries stemming from the overheating defect, the company said in the NHTSA notice. Complaints filed with NHTSA highlight the threat, however.

A Ford driver in Felton, California, for instance, told the agency that he and his daughter were stranded at night after their car suddenly lost power. The driver said he had already brought the vehicle in for the software patch after the first recall, according to the Free Press report.

This time around, Ford is asking owners to bring their vehicles to authorized local dealers to have contractors replaced.

“To make the repair process easy on customers, we are offering pick-up and delivery, along with loan vehicles while the vehicle is being serviced,” spokesperson Maria Buczkowski told the Free Press. “Until parts are ready, we ask that affected customers limit repeated back-to-back wide open pedal accelerations and use DC Fast Charging only when necessary, such as on long journeys.”

Legal Rights for California Ford Owners and Lessors

Californians who own or lease Fords or other vehicles have some important legal rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. 

The law generally requires car manufacturers to perform a variety of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

A carmaker can instead offer to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.