2023 Ford Mustang Mach E driver assist problems

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Impacts: Electric system software & fools/locks/linegae. The EV vehicle has suffered a catastrophic, complete failure of its central software architecture, specifically impacting the APIM module and RDS system. Ford's internal In-Vehicle Technology (IVT) records confirm this failure originated in December 2025 while vehicle was fully under its 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. Because vehicle's underlying diagnostic and software infrastructure is completely frozen in an unresolved "updating" loop, the vehicle's onboard diagnostic tools are entirely incapable of reading or reporting critical hardware and structural component failures. Initial service was May 26. This software failure has caused severe, active safety hazards. In July 2026, the driver-side door latch completely failed to secure. Because software is bricked, no diagnostic code or dashboard warning was generated. As a 100% disabled driver, I was forced to drive 35 minutes home from an oncology medical appointment physically holding the driver’s door shut at speed on public roads to prevent it from swinging open. Furthermore, vehicle's network connectivity has completely shut down while driving on 3 separate occasions. During door latch failure, I was trapped in a rural area with zero cellular service. Because onboard telematics and modem systems are frozen and failing to receive critical safety patches, vehicle's SOS Post-Crash Alert System and tracking telemetry are severely compromised. If an accident or ejection had occurred due to the door latch failure, emergency services would have had no automated tracking link. Ford has failed to repair this after multiple extended dealer stays and has admitted through their IVT department that vehicle is unfixable due to massive never before seen software failure via standard service and requires manufacturer buyback. Dealer files att show no vehicle updates since Feb 2026 tho IVT confirmed May 28 not updates since Dec 2025 from Ford known software glitch.

NHTSA complaint #11762679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

My 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT experienced a sudden electronic parking brake failure. The vehicle displayed a parking brake fault warning, and the electronic parking brake became stuck in the engaged position and would not release despite repeated attempts and restarting the vehicle. The failure completely immobilized the vehicle and required Ford Roadside Assistance to tow it to an authorized Ford dealership. The Ford dealer diagnosed the issue in writing as: “REAR EPB HARNESS CORRODED; STARTING TO CORRODE ON RR AS WELL; RECOMMEND REPLACING BOTH REAR PIGTAILS WITH UPDATED STYLE.” The dealer therefore found corrosion affecting the electronic parking brake wiring on one rear side and corrosion beginning on the other side. Both rear EPB pigtails are being replaced with an updated-style component. This failure appears substantially similar to the electronic parking brake wiring/connector issue Ford previously identified in Customer Satisfaction Program 22P31 for certain earlier Mustang Mach-E vehicles. Ford's documentation for 22P31 states that damage to the EPB wiring can result in a parking brake malfunction and, in some cases, an inability to disengage the parking brake. My 2023 vehicle is apparently not included in that program despite experiencing a very similar failure mode. I am submitting this complaint because corrosion of the electronic parking brake wiring on a relatively new vehicle resulted in the parking brake becoming permanently engaged and the vehicle being completely immobilized. The dealer also found corrosion developing on the opposite-side EPB wiring and recommended replacement of both sides with updated-style pigtails. I believe NHTSA should evaluate whether this EPB wiring/connector corrosion condition extends to 2023 Mustang Mach-E vehicles beyond the population originally identified by Ford.

NHTSA complaint #11761038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

We recently brough the Mach E in for a recall of the rear camera. We mention the front camera alerts. They said due to safety concerns, sometime when the back camera goes out it affects all cameras. When we picked up the car, they told use that the front camera, which controls active cruise control, self-driving and emergency stopping is not covered under the recall. How can this not be a safety issue. The cost to fix it is over $4000. Please let me know if there are any upcoming recalls. Thanks!

NHTSA complaint #11758524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

We recently brough the Mach E in for a recall of the rear camera. We mention the front camera alerts. They said due to safety concerns, sometime when the back camera goes out it affects all cameras. When we picked up the car, they told use that the front camera, which controls active cruise control, self-driving and emergency stopping is not covered under the recall. How can this not be a safety issue. The cost to fix it is over $4000. Please let me know if there are any upcoming recalls. Thanks!

NHTSA complaint #11758524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

We recently brough the Mach E in for a recall of the rear camera. We mention the front camera alerts. They said due to safety concerns, sometime when the back camera goes out it affects all cameras. When we picked up the car, they told use that the front camera, which controls active cruise control, self-driving and emergency stopping is not covered under the recall. How can this not be a safety issue. The cost to fix it is over $4000. Please let me know if there are any upcoming recalls. Thanks!

NHTSA complaint #11758524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Vehicle in question had problems since day. One computer was affected was never fixed. Many problems ended up in agency for repairs a total of 9 1/2 months and I’ve only have a three year lease on the vehicle and have not been able to use it fully because of electrical and further issues. Litigation found with my attorneys and Ford attorneys, that the vehicle had multiple problems and was issued by a judge, repayment and penalties.

NHTSA complaint #11746355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

While I was driving the brakes did not work. I had to slam on the brakes in order to stop the car. The back portion of the car then skid. The following warnings were sent to the phone and appeared on the dashboard as well. There were more on the dashboard but since I was driving I focused on trying to maneuver the car and not reading the dashboard. Not knowing what happened I continued to drive to duplicate the issue. The brakes were consistently only working when slamming on the brakes (and skidding). There was no traffic, allowing us to rely on driving slow speeds and letting the car to come to natural stops. We took it to the dealership immediately who were unable to duplicate. They diagnosed it as a network overload and attempted to release the car back to us. Currently working with a Ford Advocate as a Network Overload will shut our brakes off again. It's just a matter of when. Which is why they can't duplicate it. They can't predict when the Ford Network that communicates to the MachE braking mechanism will overload again. Powertrain malfunction/Reduced power Powertrain system fault Anti brake fault Anti lock brake system fault Brake system Fault Service brakes Electronic Parking Brake Hill start assist warning Hill start assist fault Pre collision assist not available Collision assist unavailable

NHTSA complaint #11741403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Upon hitting moderate bumps the Front Camera faults causing the collision Assist to malfunction suddenly turning off any other driving assists , even if already active such as Cruise Control, lane keeping and departure. There are many examples of the same issues happening on dedicated forums to the Mach E. TSB 23-2155 was issued but are not covered on models that are or of warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11732789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Upon hitting moderate bumps the Front Camera faults causing the collision Assist to malfunction suddenly turning off any other driving assists , even if already active such as Cruise Control, lane keeping and departure. There are many examples of the same issues happening on dedicated forums to the Mach E. TSB 23-2155 was issued but are not covered on models that are or of warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11732789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Upon hitting moderate bumps the Front Camera faults causing the collision Assist to malfunction suddenly turning off any other driving assists , even if already active such as Cruise Control, lane keeping and departure. There are many examples of the same issues happening on dedicated forums to the Mach E. TSB 23-2155 was issued but are not covered on models that are or of warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11732789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Electronic parking brake failure after Massachusetts snow storms and salt. Car is currently at dealership so yes it’s available for inspection at Sentry Ford Medford MA. Yes it’s been reproduced. I was lucky it did not fail engaged so I was able to drive it. Early production 2023 but ford did not recall this model year. Same problem as csp 22p31. Ford currently is not covering this repair even just 500 miles over factory warranty even though all model years around it have the recall. As for the automatic emergency braking it may stop you very short, and hitting the pedal does not override the braking system. Car jerks and seems confused in this situation. I keep turning it off, but the car keeps putting it back on against my wishes. Extremely concerning as it should stay off.

NHTSA complaint #11719496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Vehicle: 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E (leased) The issue involves the cruise control system and steering wheel control layout (human-machine interface). Cruise control is unintentionally activated when attempting to use the turn signal due to the placement of the cruise control buttons. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. On two separate occasions while using one-pedal driving, unintended cruise control activation caused sudden acceleration during low-speed turning maneuvers. The first incident occurred while signaling to turn into a parking spot. The second occurred while entering a left-turn pocket. In both cases, the unexpected acceleration created an immediate risk of collision with surrounding vehicles and required sudden panic braking to avoid an accident. The issue has occurred multiple times during normal driving but has not yet been formally reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, and the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or other parties regarding this issue. No warning lamps, alerts, or messages appeared prior to the unintended acceleration. Cruise control engaged without driver intent and without advance warning.

NHTSA complaint #11704819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Dear NHTSA Team, I am writing to urgently raise concern and seek answers regarding what appears to be a systemic safety issue affecting vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and self-driving technologies. I have personally experienced repeated and dangerous incidents of phantom braking, overcorrection, and loss of control while driving a 2019 Toyota Prius. The car suddenly brakes, swerves, or pulls sharply when it detects shadows, road inclinations, or mild curves — making it unsafe to drive, especially at highway speeds. These events occur without any driver error. To make things worse, this issue is not limited to one brand or vehicle. Over the past year, I have driven and rented multiple cars from different brands and models through rental companies, and many of them presented the exact same unsafe behavior — unpredictable braking, steering correction, and traction instability. This clearly indicates that the issue is industry-wide, not isolated to a single manufacturer. I have been a professional rideshare driver for over five years, completing more than 500,000 miles without a single accident or ticket. Since October 2023, these vehicle behaviors have made it nearly impossible for me to continue working safely. This situation has destroyed my livelihood — I am now three months behind on rent, my mental health has been severely impacted, and I am facing homelessness for the second time in two years. All of this has happened because of unsafe technology that drivers cannot fully disable, even when it is clearly malfunctioning. I respectfully ask NHTSA: Why are automakers allowed to release and maintain these unsafe systems on public roads? Why do drivers not have the right to safely disable malfunctioning ADAS or self-driving features, like any other electronic system that can be shut down in an emergency? When will NHTSA take meaningful action to stop these dangerous practices before more lives are affected?

NHTSA complaint #11695634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I’m writing this message out of frustration, exhaustion, and genuine concern for public safety. Over the past months, I’ve been renting and driving multiple cars from different brands and models — Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, and now a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E — and all of them show the same dangerous behavior: •sudden phantom braking for no reason, •traction control malfunctioning, throwing the car from side to side, •unstable handling, especially on highways or during light rain. This is not an isolated case — it’s happening across several brands and systems, which makes me question what is really going on. Why are drivers being forced to deal with unreliable technology that clearly isn’t ready for real-world conditions? Are these systems being tested using real drivers as data sources to “teach” self-driving cars how to handle special situations? Because that’s what it feels like — we are being used without consent, forced to correct constant software mistakes that could cost lives. This situation has destroyed my professional and financial stability. I work as a rideshare driver (Uber and Lyft), and passengers have reported me as “unsafe” because the car suddenly brakes or moves erratically — something completely out of my control. I’ve lost access to stable work, fell behind on my car payments, and ended up returning my own vehicle because of all the expenses and stress trying to fix something that was never broken in the first place. And I have to ask: Why did NHTSA approve a regulation that prevents drivers from fully turning off these driver assistance systems? In what world does it make sense for a safety-critical technology to have no emergency off switch? In any other context — like electricity — we have breakers to stop the system when it becomes unsafe. Cars should be no different. I’ve lost almost everything I worked for because of this. Please, take this seriously. People’s lives, jobs, and mental health are being destroyed by this technology.

NHTSA complaint #11694831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

I’m writing this message out of frustration, exhaustion, and genuine concern for public safety. Over the past months, I’ve been renting and driving multiple cars from different brands and models — Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, and now a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E — and all of them show the same dangerous behavior: •sudden phantom braking for no reason, •traction control malfunctioning, throwing the car from side to side, •unstable handling, especially on highways or during light rain. This is not an isolated case — it’s happening across several brands and systems, which makes me question what is really going on. Why are drivers being forced to deal with unreliable technology that clearly isn’t ready for real-world conditions? Are these systems being tested using real drivers as data sources to “teach” self-driving cars how to handle special situations? Because that’s what it feels like — we are being used without consent, forced to correct constant software mistakes that could cost lives. This situation has destroyed my professional and financial stability. I work as a rideshare driver (Uber and Lyft), and passengers have reported me as “unsafe” because the car suddenly brakes or moves erratically — something completely out of my control. I’ve lost access to stable work, fell behind on my car payments, and ended up returning my own vehicle because of all the expenses and stress trying to fix something that was never broken in the first place. And I have to ask: Why did NHTSA approve a regulation that prevents drivers from fully turning off these driver assistance systems? In what world does it make sense for a safety-critical technology to have no emergency off switch? In any other context — like electricity — we have breakers to stop the system when it becomes unsafe. Cars should be no different. I’ve lost almost everything I worked for because of this. Please, take this seriously. People’s lives, jobs, and mental health are being destroyed by this technology.

NHTSA complaint #11694831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I’m writing this message out of frustration, exhaustion, and genuine concern for public safety. Over the past months, I’ve been renting and driving multiple cars from different brands and models — Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, and now a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E and all of them show the same dangerous behavior: sudden phantom braking for no reason, traction control malfunctioning, throwing the car from side to side, unstable handling, especially on highways or during light rain. This is not an isolated case it’s happening across several brands and systems, which makes me question what is really going on. Why are drivers being forced to deal with unreliable technology that clearly isn’t ready for real-world conditions? Are these systems being tested using real drivers as data sources to “teach” self-driving cars how to handle special situations? Because that’s what it feels like we are being used without consent, forced to correct constant software mistakes that could cost lives. This situation has destroyed my professional and financial stability. I work as a rideshare driver (Uber and Lyft), and passengers have reported me as “unsafe” because the car suddenly brakes or moves erratically something completely out of my control. I’ve lost access to stable work, fell behind on my car payments, and ended up returning my own vehicle because of all the expenses and stress trying to fix something that was never broken in the first place. And I have to ask: Why did NHTSA approve a regulation that prevents drivers from fully turning off these driver assistance systems? In what world does it make sense for a safety-critical technology to have no emergency off switch? In any other context like electricity we have breakers to stop the system when it becomes unsafe. Cars should be no different. I’ve lost almost everything I worked for because of this. Please, take this seriously. People’s lives, jobs, and mental health are being destroyed by technology that we can’t control.

NHTSA complaint #11694598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

I’m writing this message out of frustration, exhaustion, and genuine concern for public safety. Over the past months, I’ve been renting and driving multiple cars from different brands and models — Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, and now a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E and all of them show the same dangerous behavior: sudden phantom braking for no reason, traction control malfunctioning, throwing the car from side to side, unstable handling, especially on highways or during light rain. This is not an isolated case it’s happening across several brands and systems, which makes me question what is really going on. Why are drivers being forced to deal with unreliable technology that clearly isn’t ready for real-world conditions? Are these systems being tested using real drivers as data sources to “teach” self-driving cars how to handle special situations? Because that’s what it feels like we are being used without consent, forced to correct constant software mistakes that could cost lives. This situation has destroyed my professional and financial stability. I work as a rideshare driver (Uber and Lyft), and passengers have reported me as “unsafe” because the car suddenly brakes or moves erratically something completely out of my control. I’ve lost access to stable work, fell behind on my car payments, and ended up returning my own vehicle because of all the expenses and stress trying to fix something that was never broken in the first place. And I have to ask: Why did NHTSA approve a regulation that prevents drivers from fully turning off these driver assistance systems? In what world does it make sense for a safety-critical technology to have no emergency off switch? In any other context like electricity we have breakers to stop the system when it becomes unsafe. Cars should be no different. I’ve lost almost everything I worked for because of this. Please, take this seriously. People’s lives, jobs, and mental health are being destroyed by technology that we can’t control.

NHTSA complaint #11694598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

My car displayed a warning that the pre-collision assist was not available. This caused all of the safety features not to work (collision warning; lane departure warning; parking collision warning etc.) The car has been in and out of the dealership since Aug. 6th to repair this but Ford has not corrected the problem. We have not been told what is wrong with the car or any estimation on if or when it will be repaired. I requested the service documents for all of the records of when my car has been in the shop for this issue. I received the document but it has incorrect and missing information which causes me to be concerned that the issue is not being address but instead my car is being held with no efforts of a remedy. My car has not operated correctly for almost 2 months but the only service recorded was a replacement of a coaxial cable which did not fix the car.

NHTSA complaint #11692151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

My car displayed a warning that the pre-collision assist was not available. This caused all of the safety features not to work (collision warning; lane departure warning; parking collision warning etc.) The car has been in and out of the dealership since Aug. 6th to repair this but Ford has not corrected the problem. We have not been told what is wrong with the car or any estimation on if or when it will be repaired. I requested the service documents for all of the records of when my car has been in the shop for this issue. I received the document but it has incorrect and missing information which causes me to be concerned that the issue is not being address but instead my car is being held with no efforts of a remedy. My car has not operated correctly for almost 2 months but the only service recorded was a replacement of a coaxial cable which did not fix the car.

NHTSA complaint #11692151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The contact stated that while reversing, the "Cross Traffic Alert" system failed to operate as intended, creating a hazard for the driver. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at various undisclosed speeds, the "Blind Spot Information" system failed to function as intended, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet been determined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA complaint #11666398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

While using ford Blue cruise I have found a major major safety flaw. While using blue cruise hands free driving over a major bridge in the middle of the day the car swerved a very hard left. Almost forcing me off the bridge. I believe the shadows that were cast on the bridge made the cars system malfunction. The incident has happened twice now and also someone else who has the same car in another state on a similar style brige with similar shadows while using blue cruise said the same thing has happened to them.

NHTSA complaint #11664903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

While using ford Blue cruise I have found a major major safety flaw. While using blue cruise hands free driving over a major bridge in the middle of the day the car swerved a very hard left. Almost forcing me off the bridge. I believe the shadows that were cast on the bridge made the cars system malfunction. The incident has happened twice now and also someone else who has the same car in another state on a similar style brige with similar shadows while using blue cruise said the same thing has happened to them.

NHTSA complaint #11664903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the safety features were independently deactivated. The contact stated that the message Forward Collision Avoidance brake assist unavailable was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed radar and front camera system. The contact was informed that the radar and front camera systems needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

NHTSA complaint #11661201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the safety features were independently deactivated. The contact stated that the message Forward Collision Avoidance brake assist unavailable was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed radar and front camera system. The contact was informed that the radar and front camera systems needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

NHTSA complaint #11661201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the safety features independently deactivated. In addition, the message “Forward Collision Avoidance Brake Assist Unavailable” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed radar and front camera system. The contact was informed that the radar and front camera systems needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

NHTSA complaint #11661207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.