NHTSA Recall Query: High Voltage Battery Contactor Failure in 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach E (RQ23-004)
Opened August 17, 2023 · Ford Motor Company
NHTSA opened a recall query (RQ23-004) on August 17, 2023 into high voltage battery contactor failure in 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach E. The investigation is closed on December 6, 2023 and led to recall 23V687000.
RQ23-004 at a glance
| NHTSA action number | RQ23-004 |
|---|---|
| Type | Recall Query |
| Opened | August 17, 2023 |
| Status | Closed December 6, 2023 |
| Vehicles | 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach E |
| Component | Electrical System > Propulsion System > Traction Battery > Management System/Energy Control Module (Bms/Becm) > Software |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Resulting recall | 23V687000 |
What is NHTSA investigating in the Ford Mustang Mach E?
From NHTSA’s investigation summary:
On August 17, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-004 to investigate instances of loss of motor power due to overheating high voltage battery contactors in model year (MY) 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles (subject vehicles).
This Recall Query (RQ) was opened after receiving 12 consumer complaints alleging a high voltage battery main contactor failure in subject vehicles that were included in Recall 22V-412 and remedied prior to the reported incidents.
The remedy in 22V-412 was a Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module (SOBDMC) software update to monitor contactor temperature and reduce battery power to prevent damage to the contactor, and a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) software update to monitor contactor resistance to identify an overheated contactor and reduce vehicle power to prevent further damage.
On October 13, 2023, Ford filed Recall 23V-687 of 34,762 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles produced from May 27, 2020 to May 24, 2022 with recalled Bussed Electrical Center parts NK48-10C666-AA, NK48-10C666-BA, or LK98-10C666-AB.
Affected vehicles are equipped with the extended range battery.
Ford stated that preexisting damage to the contactors caused by heat and accumulated wear may reduce the effectiveness of the software update remedy in 22V-412.
The remedy of 23V-687 is to complete a replacement of the Bussed Electrical Center, or High Voltage Battery Junction Box.
In addition, Ford stated that subject vehicles equipped with standard range batteries, in comparison to vehicles equipped with extended range batteries, are less at risk of experiencing this failure due to their smaller battery capacity and lower output electric drive motors.
In view of the recall action taken by Ford, ODI is closing this investigation.
ODI will continue to monitor reports of this failure in both extended range and standard range models.
The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.
To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
What is a recall query?
Recall Query is a review of whether an earlier recall actually fixed the problem or covered all the vehicles it should have. A recall query is opened when owners keep reporting the same failure after the recall repair.
Did this investigation lead to a recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists recall 23V687000 as the result of this investigation: 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach E Electrical Management System Recall (23V687).
Which vehicles are part of this investigation?
| Model years | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | Ford | Mustang Mach E |
What are Ford Mustang Mach E owners reporting to NHTSA?
NHTSA’s public database lists 485 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
What should owners do?
- Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
- If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
- Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
- File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
- If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.
Recalls on the same vehicles
- 2023-2025 Ford Mustang Mach E Electrical Management System Software Recall (26V582)
- 2023-2025 Ford Mustang Mach E Exterior Trim Recall (26V487)
- 2021-2023 Ford Mustang Mach E Differential Recall (26V417)
- 2025-2026 Ford Mustang Mach E Lighting Control Module Recall (25V885)
- 2022-2026 Ford F-150 Lightning Bev Park Pawl Recall (25V863)
- 2021 Ford Mustang Mach E Antilock Brake Control Module Recall (25V513)
- 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Lighting Control Module Recall (25V519)
- 2022 Ford Mustang Mach E Electrical Management System Recall (25V441)
- 2025 Ford Mustang Mach E Park Pawl Recall (25V394)
- 2021-2025 Ford Mustang Mach E Body Control Module Software Recall (25V404)
Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?
Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.
Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).
An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
In our cases, a recall repair visit counts as a repair attempt, and it's strongest when the owner complained about the problem before the recall came out. A recall shows the defect is real and that enough owners reported it for the manufacturer to issue a fix.
The biggest mistake I see is waiting too long. The mileage offset starts at your first repair visit for the problem, so the sooner you take it in, the better. If the problem comes and goes, take it in when it happens. You can't go back to that date later.
If you get a recall notice, call a lemon law attorney right away. You may have taken the car in for the same problem before and forgotten, or there may be other recalls related to it.
Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320), Founder and Managing Attorney. Quotes lightly edited for clarity. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Does the recall fixing my car mean I have no case?
Not necessarily. Even if the recall repair fixed it, you may still have a case, and a car that's a year or more old can still qualify.
Do used cars qualify for California lemon law?
We take certified pre-owned, demo and dealer vehicles. Since the California Supreme Court's Rodriguez decision in 2024, ordinary used cars generally do not qualify.
How long does a recall lemon law case take?
Recall-related cases typically resolve in one to three months from your first call. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What does a lemon law attorney cost?
You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.
Sources
- NHTSA investigation, recall and complaint data, accessed October 7, 2026
- California Civil Code 1793.22
Jacob Shayesteh, Esq., Founder and Managing Attorney of America’s Lemon Lawyer (Wynn Law Group, APC). Licensed by the State Bar of California, No. 362320. His practice focuses on California lemon law under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
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Attorney advertising. America’s Lemon Lawyer is a trade name of Wynn Law Group, APC. Responsible attorney: Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. (SBN 362320). This page reports public NHTSA data and is general information, not legal advice. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.