(NewsNation) – Ford has recalled more than 197,000 Mustang Mach-Es because of an issue that can leave passengers trapped inside vehicles.
The hazard affecting model years 2021-2025 is especially dangerous for children, who could end up stuck in the back seat during extreme heat, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The issue affects door latches inside the electric vehicles. If the car’s battery gets too low, the electronic door latches could remain locked once a driver or front passenger exits the car and shuts the door.
Passengers in the back seat, including children, could get trapped inside if they’re unable to unlock the door manually using the inside door release handles.
The auto giant warned that an inability to enter or exit the vehicle in an emergency increases the risk of injury.
As a result, Ford recalled a total of 197,432 Mach-Es in the United States and 120,000 in international markets.
No injuries have been reported so far and a software update will fix the issue, a spokesperson told CBS News.
Ford sent letters to affected drivers on June 23 and will send out a second round of letters once the software upgrade is available.
Drivers will need to visit a dealer to update their Powertrain Control Module and the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module C software free of charge.
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Anyone with questions was urged to contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 (recall number 25S65) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The Mach-E recall comes after the company recalled more than 1 million Ford and Lincolns in May due to concerns over their rearview cameras. Ford also recalled an additional 274,000 Expedition and Lincoln-branded Navigator SUVs across the U.S. due to a brake issue that increased the risk of a crash.
