A MAJOR recall issued by Ford over concerns for passenger safety will also affect its UK models.
The recall was issued earlier this week in the US over a major safety defect that could leave passengers trapped in their cars.
A safety recall issued by Ford will also affect British drivers[/caption]
The fault could leave passengers trapped as the electronic door handles malfunction[/caption]
Up to 200,000 Mustang Mach-E cars have been recalled in the US[/caption]
The Express has reported that “some” Mustang Mach-E electric cars in the UK will be affected by the same issues.
It is unclear how many UK cars will be affected, as Ford will be in touch with relevant customers shortly.
The issue is believed to be a software problem that causes the electronic door latch to remain closed.
This occurs when the car’s battery is low, leaving passengers at risk of being trapped in their car.
Drivers with Ford Mustang Mach-E 2021-2025 models should look out for the following warning displays which could indicate a fault.
- The SYNC infotainment screen may display a “system off to save power” warning, or go blank when the power is in the “off” position
- The inside release handle of the front door needs to be pulled further than normal to unlatch the door when exiting the vehicle.
It could pose a health risk to customers in an emergency situation, although no accidents or injuries have been reported so far.
However, several drivers have reported being locked out of their vehicles.
The recall is likely to be easily resolved through a free update for customers.
In the meantime, sales of the Mustang Mach-E have been halted at Ford dealerships until the software is updated.
Ford wrote to the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration in the US to warn of the imminent recall on June 23.
It affects up to 197,432 of the Mustang Mach-E cars in the US.
An NHTSA report stated: “Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Mustang Mach E vehicles.
“In the event of low battery charge, the electronic door latches may remain locked once the driver or front passenger exits and shuts the door, possible trapping someone who is unable to use the inside door release handles, such as a child in the backseat.”
They added: “Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module C (SOBDMC) software.”
The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s flagship EV model and was launched in 2021.
Its SUV version has a range of between 292 and 372 miles, depending on the trim.
The top-end models can also reach a top speed of 120mph, and go from zero to 62mph in 6.7 seconds.
It comes after another major carmaker recalled thousands of cars that may have a ‘deadly’ defect.
Owners of popular Citroën models – built between 2009 and 2019 – have been warned to stop driving their cars immediately.
Stellantis has told all owners of 2009-2019 Citroën Mk1 DS 3s and Mk2 Citroën C3s in the UK to stop driving their cars immediately.
This includes both the Citroën DS 3 and the later versions of the supermini – sold under the separate DS brand.
It followed the death of a driver after her Takata airbag in her 2014 Citroën C3 exploded.
French carmaker Citroën had already recalled the affected cars – replacing airbags in just under 70 per cent of the 690,000 vehicles.
