Ford Recalls Nearly 200,000 Mustang Mach-E Vehicles for Door Latch Issues

100% of the 197,432 Mustang Mach-E vehicles recalled by Ford are affected by a door latch defect that could trap passengers inside the vehicle under certain conditions.

The issue occurs when the 12-volt battery charge drops too low, causing the electronic door latches to remain locked after the driver or front passenger exits and closes the door.

This manufacturing defect poses a serious safety risk, particularly for children in the back seat or individuals unable to use the interior mechanical door handles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this defect could result in injury during emergencies or extreme heat if occupants are unable to exit the vehicle.

What’s Causing the Mustang Mach-E Door Latch Malfunction?

The door latch malfunction affecting recalled Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles is linked to a software defect involving the 12-volt battery system.

When the battery’s voltage drops below 8.4 volts, the vehicle loses power to operate its electronic door latches. This can prevent the doors from unlocking as expected.

One of the key safety concerns arises when the driver or front passenger exits the vehicle using the mechanical interior door handle while the doors are electronically locked and the battery is low.

In this situation, the door may remain locked after it is closed. This creates a lockout condition where the vehicle cannot be re-entered, and in some cases, passengers inside—such as children—may be unable to open the doors from within if they can’t operate the mechanical release.

The problem is rooted in a flaw in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module (SOBDMC).

These modules fail to keep power supplied to the door latch system once the vehicle is turned off, which interferes with proper door operation during a low battery state.

Compounding the issue is the lack of warning prior to battery failure. Many drivers experience this problem without any advance notice, increasing the risk of being locked out or leaving someone trapped inside.

To correct the issue, Ford plans to release a software update that will keep the DC/DC converter active briefly after the vehicle is turned off.

This will allow the door latches to remain functional even when battery voltage is low. The update will also ensure that using the mechanical door handle successfully unlocks the door in low-power situations.

How Ford Plans to Fix the Mustang Mach-E Door Latch Issue

Ford intends to resolve the Mustang Mach-E door latch problem through a software update focused on improving how the vehicle manages power after shutdown.

This update addresses the root cause of the malfunction without requiring any hardware replacements.

The solution involves updating the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module C (SOBDMC).

The revised software will keep the DC/DC converter active for 12 minutes after the vehicle is turned off, maintaining 12-volt power during that period. This allows the electronic door latches to function even if the battery voltage is low.

If a front inside door handle is used during this extended power window, the door will automatically unlock and remain unlocked until the user manually re-engages the locks.

This helps prevent lockout scenarios that could otherwise trap occupants inside or leave the driver unable to re-enter the vehicle.

Recall notification letters began going out to owners on June 23, 2025. Ford expects to begin mailing final notices indicating that repairs are available by September 29, 2025, once dealerships are fully equipped to implement the software update.

In the meantime, if a lockout occurs, owners can temporarily regain access by jump-starting the 12-volt battery.

Power leads located behind the right headlight can be used to restore enough power to unlock the latches and access the front trunk.

What to Do If You’ve Been Notified About the Recall

If you’ve received a notification regarding the Mustang Mach-E door latch recall, follow these steps to address the issue and ensure your vehicle remains safe to operate:

1. Review the Recall Notice
   Carefully read the letter sent by Ford. It should include your vehicle identification number (VIN), recall number 25S65, and specific instructions for next steps.
2. Schedule a Service Appointment
   Contact your nearest Ford dealership to book a time for the recall repair. Be sure to reference recall number 25S65 so the service department applies the correct fix.
3. Prepare for Your Visit
   Since the solution involves a software update, the appointment should be brief. Ask the dealership if you need to bring any documents or whether a loaner vehicle will be provided if needed.
4. Understand the Temporary Workaround
   If your vehicle becomes unresponsive due to a depleted 12-volt battery, access can be restored by jump-starting it using leads located behind the right headlight. This will provide temporary power to open the doors and access the front trunk.
5. Stay Updated
   Final notices indicating that repairs are ready to be performed are expected to be mailed by September 29, 2025. If you haven’t received this update yet, you can check Ford’s website or speak with your dealership to stay informed about the repair timeline.

When to Consult a Lemon Law Attorney About Your Mustang Mach-E

If your Mustang Mach-E has experienced repeated issues—particularly those tied to the recent door latch recall—you may want to consult a lemon law attorney.

Legal help may be appropriate if the vehicle’s defects compromise safety, reliability, or overall value. Consider seeking legal guidance in the following situations:

• Unresolved Repairs After Multiple Attempts
• Extended Time Out of Service
• Ongoing Safety Concerns
• Recall Notice Received, But No Repair Available
• Other Persistent Defects

If your vehicle meets the conditions for a lemon law claim, you could be eligible for a full buyback or a replacement vehicle, cash compensation, and coverage of attorney’s fees—typically paid by the manufacturer under your state’s lemon law.

A qualified lemon law attorney can help assess your case and guide you through your options.

Don’t Let a Defective Door Latch Compromise Your Safety—Call Us!

The recall affecting nearly 200,000 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles highlights the serious dangers posed by software-related defect, especially when they impact critical systems like door latches.

If the electronic latches fail due to a low 12-volt battery, passengers may become trapped inside the vehicle, creating a potential emergency situation.

If your Mustang Mach-E continues to have door latch problems—even after receiving the recall software update—or if you’ve experienced repeat warranty repairs that impairs the vehicle’s use, value or safety, you may be entitled to relief under your state’s lemon law.

Depending on your situation, you could qualify for a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash compensation, with legal fees and costs often covered by the manufacturer.

Since 2009, the Lemon Law Experts have helped thousands of consumers hold automakers accountable for defective vehicles.

Contact us today for a free consultation and find out if your Ford Mustang Mach-E qualifies. Your safety matters; don’t wait to contact our team today.