Ford orders dealers not to deliver Mustang Mach-Es over lockout recall

Ford Motor Co. has ordered its dealers not to deliver more than 320,000 all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUVs over an issue that can cause lockouts and entrapment.
The Dearborn automaker is recalling approximately 207,181 model year 2021-2025 Mustang Mach-Es in the United States and another 120,000 internationally. In a notice of the safety recall dated Monday from Ford to dealers obtained by The Detroit News, the company orders its retailers not to demonstrate or deliver 2021-2025 model year Mach-Es until a fix is complete. A software update is coming soon to address this recall, Ford spokesperson Mike Levine said in a statement.
An unexpected discharge of the vehicle's 12-volt battery under certain conditions can cause the front-door electronic latches to retain their last lock or unlocked status, according to the notice. If a driver or front passenger exits the front doors with the mechanical release inside, the doors can remain locked when closed, causing a lockout.
If a child, animal or other occupant is left in the vehicle and unable to exit themselves, the situation could result in serious injury, particularly in hot weather. Ford, however, isn't aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition.
Quality and warranty issues have been a major focus for the automaker in addressing its bloated cost structure in comparison to even crosstown rivals like General Motors Co. Andrew Frick, CEO of Ford's Ford Blue international combustion engine and Model e electric divisions, last week at the Deutsche Bank Conference highlighted double-digit quality improvements.
U.S. sales of the Mach-E rose 11% in May and are up 2.8% in 2025 so far, benefitting from the automaker's "From America, For America" employee discount pricing offer and "Ford Power Promise" that covers the cost for EV buyers of a Level 2 home charger and its standard installation.
The company disclosed early this month that its May gross stock of the SUV was 13,400 vehicles. Supply at the start of June was 82 days, according to auto information website Edmunds.com Inc.
Ford imports the Mach-E from Mexico, which means it now faces a 25% tariff imposed by the Trump administration. As a result, the automaker last month said it was raising the manufacturer's suggested price on the Mach-E by up to $2,000, with certain options also seeing an increase.
The recall was unwelcome news for dealers like Jim Seavitt, owner of Village Ford in Dearborn, who has dozens of Mach-Es on his lot.
"I was not happy to see that," he said, adding about the Mach-E: "It's been a good deal. If they can find a solution by early July, that would be good."
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