2021 Ford Mustang Mach E Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach E has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 4 recurring issue clusters, led by “High-voltage battery junction box failure and power loss.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach E.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA
  • Collisions Involving Ford BlueCruise

    Action #EA25001 · opened Jan 17, 2025

    On April 25, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24012) to assess BlueCruise, a partial driving automation system available on certain vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford). NHTSA opened the investigation after the a…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

High-voltage battery junction box failure and power loss

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

31 NHTSA complaints · 2023-08 → 2026-08

On October 15, 2023, with my EV battery charged at 69% and about 2 minutes after beginning my drive, I suddenly received a warning on the dashboard which stated "Stop Safely Now". Within 5 seconds, the vehicle would not accelerate and eventually came to a stop. The first episode
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11553123
My vehicle is not a part of the Recall #23S56, however, my High Voltage Battery Junction Box has gone back and in need of replacement. The warranty light appeared on 2/2/25 after acceleration. I was able to make an appointment with my local Ford Dealership for today 2/4/25 and
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11640638
The HVBJB subassembly in ALL Ford Mach-e vehicles has known defects with 'under-designed' main contacts that are known to fail under normal charging and driving conditions as outlined in current open Ford recall notice. Unfortunately, the internal damage to contactors is not
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11539965

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Windshield and roof glass panel adhesion failure

VISIBILITY

8 NHTSA complaints · 2023-07 → 2026-08

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The contact stated that a puddle of water was found in the front driver's side seat after a heavy rainstorm. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where an inspection was performed. The result showed that the adhesion around the
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11547193
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V711000 (Visibility). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the dealer was advised to not
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11583563
Windshield loose adhesion from paint separation from primer. The Glass windshield in my car had a small chip occur while driving at 40 mph.. about 60 seconds later a crack appeared about 18 inch long lengthwise across the windshield. after being parked will ordering a new
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11535085

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Front camera fault disabling pre-collision assist

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

51 NHTSA complaints · 2023-08 → 2026-06

Front Camera Fault Service not available. Pre-Collision Assist Not Available. These faults have been showing up for over a year. I have taken my car to the dealer about 10 times, to no avail. Every time you hit a bump it happens. As I write this my car is in the shop again. The
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11679923
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Collision Avoidance Camera Fault" was displayed, indicating a camera malfunction. The contact stated that the message was also present on the Mobile App. The contact
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11664895
Vehicle: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Component: Image Processing Module A (IPMA) / Front Camera / Forward Collision Avoidance System The IPMA and front camera system have failed, disabling Pre-Collision Assist, AEB, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control while
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11734458

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Unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

11 NHTSA complaints · 2023-06 → 2026-07

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach E. The contact stated that while driving slowly in reverse and reversing of a parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and erroneously drove across the street before crashing into an apartment building
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11545098
When stopped at a stoplight, in unbridled mode with one pedal driving engaged, the car surged forward on it's own. The surge forward caused my vehicle to rear-end another vehicle. I would assume the failure was the one pedal driving system and it is available for inspection. The
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11610754
There is a software problem which was introduced in a previous OTA which causes drive modes to change. These drive modes are Whisper, Engage, and Unbridle. Each has their own acceleration/throttle response characteristics, as well as steering and suspension feel. You also have
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11554311

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Note: NHTSA also opened 3 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

3 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

14

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach E reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.