2021 Ford Mach-E OTA Update Affects ABS, Stability and Safety Systems

Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2021 Mustang Mach-E vehicles, due to a potentially hazardous issue arising from an Over-The-Air (OTA) update to the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The affected vehicles may experience a loss of power brake assist, ABS functionality, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control, and other critical driver assistance features. This issue can lead to an increased braking distance, which may impact vehicle safety and driver control.

Investigation and Recall Process

In August 2024, Ford's Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) initiated a detailed investigation into this problem after receiving feedback from Ford’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Solution Task Force. This task force had identified irregularities in the ABS calibration following a recent OTA update. The CCRG performed dealer-assisted vehicle inspections to analyze the issue's impact on customer experience and reviewed OTA records to pinpoint the number of potentially impacted vehicles.

The results of the investigation led to a Field Review Committee meeting in October, where Ford officially approved the recall of the affected Mach-E vehicles. To date, Ford has documented 13 warranty claims potentially associated with this ABS issue.

Details of the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Defect

According to Ford's defect report, the OTA update inadvertently introduced a problem in the ABS calibration file, which may cause the system to revert to a default configuration. In this default setting, the braking system’s power assist is disabled, requiring drivers to exert more force on the brake pedal and resulting in reduced braking performance. Although basic braking remains available, affected drivers may notice increased pedal travel, requiring higher pedal efforts and reducing overall braking responsiveness.

Additionally, the default configuration disables key stability and safety features, including:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Traction Control System (TCS)

Hill Start Assist

Pre-Collision Assist

Regenerative Braking

These features are designed to enhance safety, stability, and control under various driving conditions. Without these systems, drivers could face greater difficulty in controlling the vehicle, especially in challenging weather or emergency situations.

Warning Indicators and Notifications for Drivers

Ford has indicated that drivers of affected vehicles should receive multiple warning alerts through ABS-related warning lamps and messages on the instrument cluster display at startup. These notifications are intended to alert drivers to potential issues with the ABS and related systems, encouraging them to seek assistance.

Next Steps and Repair Instructions

To resolve the problem, Ford has instructed its dealers to update the ABS calibration for the affected vehicles. Ford will send official owner notification letters starting November 4, 2024, to advise affected customers on the recall process and corrective measures. The Ford reference number for this recall is 24S65, and the NHTSA campaign identification number is24V-777.

Ford advises all owners of 2021 Mach-E vehicles to be vigilant about this recall if they experience extended pedal travel, increased braking effort, or ABS-related warning indicators. Recalled vehicles should be serviced as soon as possible at an authorized Ford dealership, where the calibration update will be performed to restore the ABS and safety features to proper functionality.