2021 Ford Mustang mach e problems

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a battery electric compact crossover SUV produced by Ford. The vehicle was introduced on November 17, 2019, and went on sale in December 2020 as a 2021 model. The vehicle is in the Mustang series, with model name Mach-E inspired by the Mach 1 variant of the first-generation Mustang. The car won the 2021 North American SUV of the Year Award.
Overview
During development, the Mustang Mach-E was originally teased as the Ford Mach 1, but was retracted after strong public opposition, with Ford CEO Jim Farley describing the name tease as an evaluation.
The Mach-E has buttons that open the doors, and a small door handle protruding from the front doors, instead of door handles. Smartphones, or a keypad built into the B-pillar, can be used as a key.
The interior has a wide dashboard and built-in soundbar; the dash is equipped with a vertically mounted 15.5 in (39 cm) touchscreen infotainment system fitted with a rotary dial. The majority of the car's systems are controlled through the screen, which uses Ford's recent SYNC 4 operating system, updatable wirelessly. There is a 10.2 in (26 cm) digital cluster for the driver, and the steering wheel has several physical buttons.
The Mustang Mach-E uses the Global Electrified 1 (GE1) platform, which is a heavily reworked version of the C2 platform shared with the fourth generation Focus and third generation Kuga/fourth generation Escape. It offers a traditional cargo area at the rear offering a volume of 29 cu ft (821 L), and a 4.8 cu ft (136 L) waterproof trunk under the hood and can be charged by a home AC charger or by DC fast chargers at up to 150 kW.
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Common 2021 Ford Mustang mach e problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Ford Mustang Mach-E 2021, several common problems have been highlighted:
- Weak Electrical System:
- Owners have reported issues with the SUV's weak electrical system, leading to various concerns and complaints.
- Complaints include flashing warning lights related to traction control, stability, and collision warnings upon starting the vehicle.
- Some owners experienced the tailgate opening unexpectedly, causing potential safety hazards and damage.
- The use of a mobile phone as a key for vehicle access has been problematic, with constant issues and updates causing inconvenience.
- Forward Collision Avoidance Failures:
- Users have raised complaints about failures in the forward collision avoidance system.
- Issues include a lack of clear sound or indication when BlueCruise disengages, potentially leading to unexpected outcomes.
- Some owners noted that the vehicle fails to provide collision or pedestrian warning alerts if occupants are not wearing seat belts.
- Cold temperatures have been reported to affect the functionality of sensors and features, impacting safety during winter driving.
- Visibility Concerns:
- Visibility problems have been a recurring issue, with complaints about delays in receiving necessary parts for recall repairs.
- Owners from different parts of the United States have expressed frustration over the lack of readily available repair components.
- Ford has been criticized for delays in completing essential maintenance, with complaints spanning several months from the starting date of the complaints.
- Recalls and Technical Issues:
- The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E has been subject to multiple recalls, affecting a significant number of vehicles.
- Common complaints include problems with the electrical system, forward collision avoidance, and visibility features.
- Issues related to the powertrain, engine, seat belts, service brakes, and vehicle speed control have also been reported by owners.
- Various technical glitches and challenges have been highlighted, indicating a range of concerns affecting the overall performance and safety of the vehicle.
These common problems reported by owners of the Ford Mustang Mach-E 2021 underscore the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the safety, reliability, and overall satisfaction of drivers and passengers.
What is the problem with the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E?
Vehicles recalled: Ford Mustang Mach-E extended-range or GT EVs manufactured between May 27, 2020, and May 24, 2022. The problem: DC charging and repeated hard acceleration can overheat the high-voltage battery main contactors, which can prevent the contactors from closing or weld them permanently closed.
Is the 2021 Ford Mach-E being recalled?
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. The powertrain control module (PCM) functional safety software may fail to detect a software error, resulting in unintended acceleration, unintended deceleration, or a loss of drive power.
Is the Mustang Mach-E reliable?
We expect the 2024 Mustang Mach-E will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2021, 2022, and 2023 models, plus the Ford brand scores.
Why did Ford stop making Mach-E?
In a shocking turn of events, Ford has announced the discontinuation of its much-hyped Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle, citing an unprecedented nationwide shortage of electricity.
Is the Mustang Mach-E reliable?
We expect the 2024 Mustang Mach-E will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2021, 2022, and 2023 models, plus the Ford brand scores.
Is the 2021 Ford Mach-E being recalled?
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. The powertrain control module (PCM) functional safety software may fail to detect a software error, resulting in unintended acceleration, unintended deceleration, or a loss of drive power.
Is Mustang 2021 reliable?
Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Mustang. Models from 2015–2016 have known engine problems, while 2017–2022 are more reliable.
Why did Ford stop making Mach-E?
In a shocking turn of events, Ford has announced the discontinuation of its much-hyped Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle, citing an unprecedented nationwide shortage of electricity.
2021 Ford Mustang mach e complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Ford Mustang mach e.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2021 Ford Mustang mach e recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 2021 Ford Mustang mach e.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mach-E vehicles. An Over-The-Air (OTA) update to the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) may result in a loss of power brake assist, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and driver assistance features.
- Consequence: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, a disabled antilock brake system and/or stability control system can result in a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the ABS calibration, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S65.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with an extended range battery. The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat.
- Consequence: An overheated high voltage battery contactor can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the high voltage battery junction box, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S56. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under recall 22V-412 will need to have the new remedy completed.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM):SOFTWARE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat.
- Consequence: An overheated high voltage battery contactor may cause the vehicle to lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the on-board software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S41.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. The powertrain control module (PCM) functional safety software may fail to detect a software error, resulting in unintended acceleration, unintended deceleration, or a loss of drive power.
- Consequence: Unintended acceleration, unintended deceleration, or a loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: The PCM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S29.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E and 2022 Maverick vehicles. The rear seat belt buckles may not be properly attached to the rear floor assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
- Consequence: Improperly attached seat belts may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will repair the rear seat belt buckle attachments, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C36.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, which could allow it to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
- Consequence: A windshield that separates from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C22.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: VISIBILITY:FIXED PANARAMIC ROOF/SKY LIGHT ASSEMBLY
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The vehicle's panoramic roof glass panel may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, which could allow it to detach.
- Consequence: A roof panel that separates from a vehicle can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will apply additional urethane adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S42.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SUSPENSION:SUBFRAME/MOUNTING BRACKET
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The front subframe bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, which could result in loose bolts.
- Consequence: Loose subframe bolts may reduce the vehicle's performance in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front subframe bolts and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S09.
Negative 2021 Ford Mustang mach e car reviews
Positive 2021 Ford Mustang mach e car reviews
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I've owned the car for a few months and recently took a long 1500 mile trip in it. Overall, I think it's an excellent vehicle, but there are still some areas that could be improved to make it a worthy competitor to the likes of Tesla MY and Audi E-tron. Here are some things I really like about it: 1. The build quality is excellent and feels more like a traditional car. 2. The Mach E has a great mix of physical controls and touch screen options, although I personally find the large volume dial to be useless. 3. The seats are comfortable and there's a great dealer network available. 4. The driving dynamics are excellent and it's a great looking car. 5. It's also a much easier transition from a regular car compared to some other EVs that have spaceship-like controls. However, there are a few cons to consider: 1. The software can be glitchy and slow, and the navigation struggles to find well-known places like hotels, stadiums, and schools just by typing in the name and city. You have to find the physical address and enter it into the navigation. 2. The Ford Pass application is subpar and not always reliable, only working correctly about 70% of the time. 3. The charging status display in both the car and the Ford Pass app is inadequate and doesn't show enough details like the rate of charge or the temperature of the battery. 4. The charging network is subpar and not as good as Tesla's. It tends to charge at the lower end most of the time, rated for speeds up to 160 kwh, but the highest I've ever seen is around 130 kwh in a few instances. Most of the time, the car wants to charge around 40-80 kwh, which takes longer.
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I see that you've upgraded your Tesla Model S to a Mach E premium, which is a great choice! The materials inside and out are of better quality, and it's exciting to see Ford making strides in the EV market. While Tesla is still ahead in terms of their charging network, it's great to see more options becoming available. The Mach E has definitely set a new standard for ride, quality, and fun while driving. Enjoy your new car!
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Our new Mach-E premium trim in rapid red is fantastic! The take off is exhilarating and will push you back into your seat. It's also very spacious, perfect for a family of four. I purchased it as a gift for my wife and she absolutely loves it! The only downside is that Ford could improve their set-up for getting customers a level 2 charging station. It would be great if they could provide more information to the consumer and have a program in place to get customers up and running as soon as possible. While it's ultimately the customer's responsibility, I believe that this would help encourage more purchases. I recently bought ours and I'm still dealing with SCE and finding someone who can install it. I might have it installed by the end of the month, but for now, I'm using my local Walmart. Overall, I'm really enjoying the car and would highly recommend it!
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As a previous owner of multiple Mustangs, I am still not comfortable calling my Mach E-GT a Mustang, even though it has some long lost homage to the Mustang Muscle. However, I must say that this car is a game changer. I love its outside aesthetic and the fact that it is a future-oriented EV crossover. I am impressed with its finish and the solidness of the vehicle. The interior was better than I imagined, especially given some of the knocks on it in online reviews. It is balanced forward with all you would expect of an EV, but it also retains a feel of sportiness lacking in the EV headliners. The dual suede seats and suede siding are a nice touch. We will see over time how it functions. Bottom line, this is the nicest vehicle I have ever owned, and if early indications hold true, the driving will be the most fun I have ever had!
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We chose a Red Mach E premium that was on display in the showroom. This car is stunning and has everything we were looking for. It was the one that convinced us to switch to an electric vehicle. Compared to Teslas, it may be slower and have less range, but it looks light years cooler than any Tesla, hands down. The Audi eTron just didn't feel right, and I'm not exactly sure why. Perhaps it's the interior and the gadgetry, or the uncomfortable seats, or the high price, or the overwhelming amount of features. Whatever it is, I was turned off. As for the VW ID.4, it doesn't seem like it will ever arrive, and the interior looks childish compared to the Mach E. I believe there are other cooler makes and models available now. After driving about 32k miles, we haven't experienced any reliability issues, squeaks, or rattles. However, the suspension is very harsh, and rear passengers may feel sick even on short drives. I wish it was made softer and more luxurious, or had air suspension. Nonetheless, the Mach E is the way to go!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Ford Mustang mach e problems:
What is your top complaint about your Mach-E? | Mach-E Forum ...
Oct 3, 2023 ... There's a New Problem With Electric Cars ... I can not start navigation, when I am parked with engine ... 2021+ Ford Mustang Mach-E General ...

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Feb 19, 2021 ... Last Updated: September 8, 2021 Hi, With most of the orders being fulfilled and getting actual reviews from drivers, Could you all post the ...
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Dec 28, 2022 ... Issues with Forward Collision Avoidance in the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Different types of complaints are received in response to forward collision ...
Irwin Fritsch 2025-05-14
We recently purchased the Mach E AWD with extended battery and wanted to share our experience so far. Although we ordered the car in January 2021, we received it in July 2021 as expected. The ordering process was very easy and required only a $500 down payment. However, our experience at the Ford dealer was not great. The sales reps seemed poorly trained and one of them treated my wife in an unacceptable manner. Despite this, we are really enjoying driving the car. The acceleration is crisp, the seating is comfortable for both front and back passengers, and there is ample storage space for phones and cups. The only downside is that the ride is a little stiff and the battery life is affected by cold weather. We recommend keeping the car plugged in during cold weather to avoid losing up to 30% of battery life. The software of the vehicle is a work in progress and we have encountered some issues. Since we only received one key fob, drivers need to connect their phone app to complete most functions of the vehicle. However, the car does not always recognize the phone app, so it's important to keep the fob close by. Additionally, having different profiles for different drivers (and separate phones) has been a challenge for this car. It does not automatically recognize the different driver to initiate their profile. The software is not very intuitive and we have yet to locate a method of opening the trunk from inside the car. Despite these issues, we have had 2 recalls for re-sealing the front windshield and the window in the top of the vehicle. We attempted to schedule a recall completion, but it was not a straightforward process. We hope this information is helpful to others considering purchasing the Mach E AWD.My experience with local dealers was not great. Initially, the dealership where I purchased the car had no idea how to fix the recalled items. When I called additional Mach E dealers in our area, I received no return calls or responses like 'we cannot do that recall here' or 'I will put you on our waitlist and call you to set up an appointment' (I have yet to receive a call from this dealership). Finally, I connected with the dealer's service department that took some responsibility to investigate the recall, develop a plan to complete the fix, and support the car with any software updates. I even called Ford Customer Service, but they could not locate the recall codes for these recalls. These calls were a total waste of time. The recall was documented by Ford in September 2021, but the work was completed in April of 2022. It seemed to take this long for communications between Ford and the dealer to get a plan. Eventually, it got done, and there were 28 software updates completed. I was not aware that there were any updates needed. However, we do like driving this vehicle. We get many compliments about its looks and questions about the performance. We want to reduce our carbon footprint and still think it is the correct thing to do. But with anything totally new, there will be issues. I have listed a few. I am placing these experiences (to-date) only to have Ford make improvements in the whole experience, not just being proud of getting this vehicle to market. I do understand that this is a new platform for Ford, and I expected there to be issues, hence this information to consider. I have not received any follow-up from Ford requesting experience with the Mach E. I might assume that good manufacturers would want real-life experience to make improvements. Now the hard part is keeping it on the market and improving the customer experience. Safe driving to all!
Hank Schinner 2025-05-09
I have a 2 month old AWD extended range. Although it's a great car to drive and comes with lots of kit, I have noticed that the range is not as high as claimed. Unfortunately, I have experienced 2 faults after 2500 miles. However, the staff at Ford have been pleasant throughout my interactions with them. The company's systems have been a bit of a challenge, as it took 7 phone calls and an email to arrange a repair and get a courtesy car for the latest fault. In contrast, I have had much smoother experiences with Toyota and Lexus. While I may not purchase a Ford again, I appreciate the efforts of the staff and hope that the company can improve their systems in the future.
Ralph Wolf 2024-11-24
Decent acceleration, but keep in mind that this is not a true SUV and is not suitable for off-roading.
Immanuel Adams 2024-07-06
Great riding and more than sufficiently quick. It handles well too. The motor sounds just right, giving you a little sense of acceleration, but still nice and quiet. It feels like a normal car, except for the center screen which may take some getting used to. The sunroof is unnecessary as it lets in heat, but very little light. I would suggest adding some normal buttons for easier control access. However, be careful with the center screen as it may get caught on someone's clothing someday and require a costly repair.
Rylan Stracke 2024-06-08
I noticed that the range of 270 miles was not displayed when we bought the car on 11/29/2021. While some may find this acceptable, I personally disagree. As an experienced EV owner, I would not have purchased this car if I had known about this issue. Additionally, I found the array of buttons that control basic functions to be confusing, despite being a member of Mensa for over thirty years. The intuitive engineering of this car deserves an F minus. I have never owned a Ford before, and if my IONIQ 5 or ID.4, which I ordered many months ago, had a chance of being delivered, I would not have purchased this car.