Ford Recalls Electric Mustangs Over Battery Problem

Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 50,000 Mustang Mach-E vehicles over a defect that could cause the electric cars to lose power without warning.

The company recently told federal regulators that the vehicles’ battery contractors may overheat, particularly when drivers accelerate quickly. Overheating could cause the cars to lose power, putting drivers, passengers and others on the road in harm’s way.

“An overheated contactor that opens while driving can result in a loss of motive power, which can increase the risk of an accident,” Ford said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall covers certain 2021-2022 Mach-Es. The company said it was not aware of accidents or injuries caused by the defect.

Ford told NHTSA it plans to notify owners of recalled cars by late July. The company will send out an over-the-air software update designed to fix the problem. It will also offer owners the option of getting the update done at a local dealership.

Safety Concerns for Ford Mustang Drivers

This is, sadly, not the only safety issue that Ford is dealing with as it shifts its focus to making electric vehicles. The company routinely calls back vehicles over serious defects that put people’s lives at risk.

The company said in April that it was recalling some 330,000 Mustang vehicles whose rear view camera wiring may be loose or damaged. Ford acknowledged that the defect violates federal safety standards and increases the risk of a crash.

Late last year, Ford said it was recalling 18,000 Mach-Es whose windshields and roofs could fly off unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. The company said at the time that it had not yet come up with a fix.

How the California Lemon Law Protects Ford Owners

Fortunately, Ford and other car owners in California do not need to wait around for a recall to get malfunctioning vehicles fixed. They have some valuable rights under the state’s lemon law. 

The lemon law generally requires car manufacturers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back (or replace, in some cases) cars that they cannot or will not fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price of the vehicles, as well as any monthly loan payments, financing fees, rental car costs and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of taking action.

Speak 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.