29 of the
1,236 complaints filed about the Ford Mustang Mach E
are about the steering —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
While picking up my daughter from school this week, I entered a school parking lot and began a low-speed right turn to pull into a parking space. During this maneuver, the car unexpectedly and abruptly accelerated forward. I reacted immediately and applied the brakes, but the car traveled approximately two car lengths beyond the intended parking spot. I came to a stop across two parking spaces. This occurred in an active school pickup area with parents and children nearby. There were no cars or pedestrians directly in front of me at that moment. I still fear what the outcome might have been if anyone had been present. Immediately after stopping, I observed that the adaptive cruise control speed indicator on the instrument cluster was set to 15 and was crossed out, indicating it had recently been active and disengaged. However, I did not engage adaptive cruise control during that trip. Based on the car’s behavior and the display state, my best assessment is that adaptive cruise control was unintentionally engaged during the parking maneuver causing the car to attempt to accelerate toward a previously set cruise speed despite being in a low-speed, turning scenario. Again, I did not use ACC on this trip. A sudden acceleration in a school parking lot presents an extreme hazard. The only reason this incident did not result in injury or death was immediate braking and luck. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the incident. The car has not yet been inspected by a dealer or manufacturer. I am aware of multiple publicly shared videos from other Mach-E owners documenting similar incidents, some resulting in crashes. This appears to be a systemic adaptive cruise control design or software issue that warrants immediate investigation and correction to avoid serious injury or death.
NHTSA complaint #11716373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was proceeding to drive home from an appointment with a friend, the car suddenly lost power and I had no control over anything. I was able to keep the steering wheel in the locked position trying to get to the side of the road. Thankfully the speed was only 25mph, as someone had just switched lanes and came in front of me. I was in the process of turning to enter the highway. I've been having a problem with this car since I purchased. I told Ford after this incident, that I fear to drive the vehicle with my family, because that's how scared I was when I had no control. I requested multiple times for someone from Ford Corporate to contact me, and still have not heard from anyone. On 11/26 I received a recall for the 12v battery, which is pretty much what keeps the car on and off, and I still have not heard from anyone in Ford corporate.
NHTSA complaint #11709518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
On November 15, 2024, my Ford Mustang Mach-E was involved in a rear-end collision on Interstate 270 near Clarksburg, Maryland. I was struck at high speed by a box truck, which pushed my vehicle forward into the van in front of me. The rear of the vehicle sustained significant damage, including the complete shattering of the rear window. During the impact, the steering wheel detached from the steering column and came off entirely in my hands. This occurred without the airbag deploying in the steering wheel area. The separation exposed the internal column components and wiring. This type of failure appears to be a serious safety defect. A steering wheel should not detach from the column in a rear-impact collision, and the separation could have resulted in loss of control or severe injury. I am submitting this report because I believe this warrants investigation for potential structural or component failure in the steering column assembly. I have photographs documenting the rear damage, the detached steering wheel, and the exposed steering column.
NHTSA complaint #11703028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
Ford Motor Company Dear Ford Customer Service Team, I am writing as a highly disappointed owner of a Ford (specify model, e.g., Mustang Mach‑E), having observed a dramatic unexplained jump of over 10,000 miles on my vehicle’s odometer in just three months. I firmly reject the insinuation that I drove that distance—I maintain an accurate charging and usage log proving otherwise—and I demand a refund of my warranty payment plus a prompt and transparent investigation. Key Facts & Concerns 1. Sudden mileage spike (~10,000 miles in 3 months) • I did not charge or drive anywhere near that distance. My charging logs and event logs—comprehensively detailed—show a maximum of [X] miles total for that period. • The odometer reading is simply inconsistent with verifiable usage data. 2. Likelihood of system error or tampering • Similar issues have been documented in EVs: • Tesla vehicles are currently under multiple lawsuits alleging artificially inflated odometer mileage, sometimes by as much as 15–117%—accusations that have triggered a proposed class-action in California and garnered widespread reports and press coverage    . • Ford EV owners have also flagged odometer anomalies—both underreporting and overreporting, including a Ford Lightning report revealing odometer mismatch in a vehicle health report (). 3. Legal precedent and consumer protection • Odometer manipulation—even unintentional—is taken seriously under federal law (Federal Odometer Act), with strict penalties for tampering  . • Odometer discrepancies significantly affect warranty eligibility and residual vehicle value. What I Want Ford to Do 1. Full refund of the prorated warranty cost, as it has been voided unfairly by incorrect mileage totals. 2. Comprehensive odometer and software audit of my vehicle. I request a certified statement of findings. 3. Corrected mileage records and warranty reinstatement based on actual usage. 4. Clear, documented communication detailing how this issue
NHTSA complaint #11673820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New car making 65-75 db loud constant clunking noises when turning steering at stopped. 1st dealer visit, it said it’s normal because they have other of same model making same noises. 2nd visit, dealer said it’s noises from brake binding and it’s normal and showed me another car of same model making same noises. Problem is not resolved. When brake pedal is pressed, there shouldn’t be binding on new car. Binding means brake pad is slightly touching the rotor when brake pedal is released. When pressed, pads should firmly grip the rotor. Not gripping firmly means the caliper is pushing the pad against the rotor. Uneven brake pad shouldn’t be causing it either since it brand new. And it’s not brake bedding-in either. It’s now at 1944 miles. Brake binding is what the dealer say but could potentially be suspension problem and there are more of this model making same noises. No waning light. There were 3 times when it pulled to one side when driving straight. I have videos of the clunking when turning steering.
NHTSA complaint #11634794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car has repeatedly had to have rotors replaced due to warping. Between 12,000 and 36,000 miles I’ve had 7 pairs of rotors replaced. After exceeding 50 mph, when braking I decided violent steering wheel vibrations between 43-35 MPH when braking normally. I have service records and video to back up my claim. Ford is calling this “normal wear and tear” however no other 2021 mach-es vehicles in my geographic area have had this issue, in fact none have had to have rotors replaced at all. This is a serious safety issue, occurring approximately every 3,000 miles. This points to a defective vehicle, Ford refuses to cover the repairs now that the vehicle has passed 36,000 miles despite having a verified service record of 7 rotor replacements. The date below is for the most recent issue, it has been going on for a year and a half. Ford clearly doesn’t understand how to fix it, as the same fix has been recommended every time to the same result. I can’t upload the videos but happy to send for additional support of my the defective vehicle assertion, it helps to show how much of a safety issue this is.
NHTSA complaint #11605448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The contact stated that while having the Blue Cruise system activated at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly drifted to the right. The contact was able to straighten out the vehicle however, the vehicle drifted to the left and then to the right again. After a while, the contact was able to regain control of the vehicle by manually operating the steering wheel instead of using the Blue Cruise system to control the vehicle. The contact stated that shortly after regaining control of the vehicle, the failure recurred in the opposite direction going from left to right, and then to the left. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to maintain control. The dealer was contacted and was able to remotely pull the codes from the vehicle for diagnostic testing. The dealer diagnosed that the camera system and control modules had failed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for servicing. The failure mileage was 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11585811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is a follow up to ODI 11510437 that was filed via the phone in 2/2023 related to now NHTSA Recall 23V687. The vehicle in question experienced exactly the issue described in the recall notice. Our incident was part of the NHTSA investigation. The vehicle had its high voltage battery junction box replaced in +/- March 2023, but the new box was the same design as the old box that is poorly engineered. Notices sent out in Fall of 2023 indicating that there was a recall were not sent to us for this vehicle. Similarly, the notice sent in April 2024 informing Mach E owners to schedule appointments at their dealer was not sent to us for this vehicle. Upon contacting Ford, they indicated that this vehicle is not part of this recall. After insisting on speaking to a supervisor, he claimed that it was now a part of the recall but refused to provide me any written acknowledgment of this. When pressed further he then said that our vehicle was not part of the recall because the part was already replaced. When I explained that the part replace was the same defective part he told me to call the dealership or NHTSA because he would do nothing further. He went on to say that there was nothing further he would or could do, nor would it transfer me to anybody at Ford that could address our unique circumstances. Upon calling NHTSA they advised, (amongst other things), that we file a complaint via this portal.
NHTSA complaint #11583689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Mach-E. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH the steering and braking systems suddenly malfunctioned causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The driver was unable to steer the vehicle and when pressing the brake pedal the vehicle did not stop. The driver lost control of the vehicle drove off the road and down a ravine and crashed into a concrete embankment. During the crash neither front air bags deployed. The front passenger sustained a fractured sternum and was transported from the scene to the hospital. The driver of the vehicle sustained a concussion which later required medical attention. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact indicated that the vehicle was recently serviced for NHTSA Campaign number: 23V687000(Electrical System). The failure mileage was 9,100.
NHTSA complaint #11563586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waiting for traffic to move in a busy street. Lights went up pedestrian sounder fault stop safely now and the vehicle wouldnt move. I was panicking my life is in danger im stuck between opposite traffic. So I put on the hazard lights and call two tow trucks and called 911. Next day high voltage warning and powertrain malfunction lights went up service now. I setup first available service which is in one week. Called ford said its okay to drive while waiting for the service. 12/14, warning lights disappeared in the morning but in the afternoon same thing happen lights went up pedestrian sounder fault stop safely now and it just stopped again in the middle of a busy street. I checked recall site there was no recall for this specific vehicle concerning this but others were recalled
NHTSA complaint #11560228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After transitioning from i35 south, to Highway 183 towards Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the auto-pilot (Ford Blue Cruse) fails, the speedometer fails, the battery level indicator fails, the instrument cluster fails, cruse control picks a random speed and struggles to keep it, lane keep assist is erratic at best. This occurs every time, and in both directions, I take my vehicle on that highway. I took a video of it this last time, and offered it to Ford. They recommended I file this report with this agency.
NHTSA complaint #11559298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle regularly, and at random times, will drop out of the chosen drive setting and go to the default "Engage" mid-level setting. This changes the driving dynamics, such as pedal pressure required to move the car, and the sensitivity of the steering. If the driver was in "Unbridle", for example, the car will immediately lose speed and steering sensitivity, while if the driver was in "Whisper", the car will lurch forward. This has happened at city speeds, highway speeds, and even while at a stop in a line of cars. The stop is especially dangerous, as 1-pedal drivers would expect the car to be fully stopped, but it still lurches forward towards people or other cars. Temperature of the engine and battery does not seem to be a factor, as this happens in all conditions. It appears to be a dangerous software error.
NHTSA complaint #11554282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on the freeway at about 65 mph through a gradual left bend in the road, with fully active SuperCruise (lane keeping, active cruise control) and fully hands off, the vehicle suddenly veered into the adjacent right lane. The vehicle moved into the adjacent lane at a high rate, and could have resulted in a heavy side impact to a vehicle driving in that lane (and potentially rippling into the lane to the right of that as well). Throughout the deviation, SuperCruise remained active without warning lamps or any inducement of driver takeover. I caught the malfunction and manually overpowered the steering to bring the vehicle back into the original driving lane. The vehicle has no active open recalls, and is operating with the latest firmware updates installed. The vehicle has not been inspected by dealer, manufacturer, or any other group for any relating issues.
NHTSA complaint #11542066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing this complaint regarding the potential failure of the High Voltage Battery Junction Box. There have been many failures reported on the forums some experiencing multiple failures. Ford provided a software update that supposedly predicts an impending failure reducing available propulsion power. I do not feel comfortable driving a vehicle with a ticking time bomb. Losing propulsion power while driving at highway speeds could result in a serious safety senerio. I would like to see Ford provide a real fix.
NHTSA complaint #11540005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on the highway (12) in Mandeville, Louisiana and the car (a 2021 all electric Mustang Mach E with only 13k miles) flashed a 'Stop care safely now' sign and then proceeded to power down within 3 seconds of the message. I exited (luckily I was at my exit) and felt the car lose power on the exit ramp. Three signals came up (battery - yet I was at 100% - then a turtle mode and not sure what the third symbol was) and then the car locked up - went into park, would not move or allow me to put into neutral to pull off a very busy highway ramp. I was forced to a dead stop on the ramp (very dangerous). I put on my hazard lights but cars still pilled up all around me, beeping etc. at high rates of speed. I called 911 and the police came out (took about 10 minutes during which time I had to direct traffic around me - again very dangerous) and asked that I move the car but the car would not move or even go into neutral. A DOTD tow truck towed me to a nearby Winn Dixie and then the roadside assistance towed to the Ford Dealer. The Ford Pass app send me the message attached below that said it was forcing a software update and the car would not be able to be used during this update - while the car was in drive and while I was driving it down a four lane highway! Very unsafe considering the car was connected to WIFI at home and that update could have been done at any time - not while driving. There was no notice prior to this that a software update was needed and we have it set for updates to happen at 1 am. The car relies upon software (not firmware) to run and if that fails, the car just locks up. This car should be recalled. I am lucky no one was injured including me trying to direct traffic on a busy high speed highway ramp. The policeman was very frustrated and made me get out of the car. Then the DOTD driver confirmed it would not budge. Thank God this didn't happen while I was in the middle of a 4 lane highway. It would have been like stopping on a train track.
NHTSA complaint #11526050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.