The Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s flagship electric crossover, has faced multiple recalls and legal challenges due to serious malfunctions—most notably involving its high-voltage battery contactor. Owners have reported sudden power loss, failure to start, and safety system shutdowns during operation. If you own or lease a Mach-E and have experienced these issues, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit or pursue compensation under California’s Lemon Law or federal warranty statutes.
This article outlines the steps to file a Ford Mustang Mach-E lawsuit, the legal basis for claims, and what affected drivers may be entitled to.
What’s the Problem with the Mustang Mach-E?
Between May 2020 and May 2022, Ford sold nearly 49,000 Mach-E vehicles that were later recalled due to a defect in the battery main contactor—a critical component that regulates power flow from the battery to the vehicle’s systems. During fast charging or heavy acceleration, the contactor may overheat, causing:
- Sudden loss of propulsion while driving
- Inability to start the vehicle
- Disabled safety features (e.g., airbags, braking assist)
- Reduced acceleration and charging performance after software updates
Ford issued an over-the-air (OTA) software update to mitigate the issue, but lawsuits allege this fix is inadequate and fails to address the underlying design defect.
Legal Basis for Filing a Lawsuit
Several legal theories may apply to Mach-E owners seeking compensation:
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act – Federal law protecting consumers from breach of warranty
- California Lemon Law (Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) – Provides buyback or replacement for defective vehicles
- California Consumers Legal Remedies Act – Covers deceptive practices and failure to disclose known defects
- Unfair Competition Law & False Advertising – Targets misleading marketing and concealment of safety risks
- Breach of Express and Implied Warranty – If Ford failed to deliver a vehicle fit for ordinary use
Class action lawsuits have already been filed, including Kegele et al. v. Ford Motor Company, seeking damages for all owners and lessees affected by the recall.
Who Qualifies to File a Claim?
You may be eligible to file a lawsuit or lemon law claim if:
- You purchased or leased a Ford Mustang Mach-E between May 2020 and May 2022
- Your vehicle experienced power loss, failed to start, or showed battery contactor errors
- You received a recall notice or software update but the issue persists
- You incurred repair costs, towing fees, or safety-related concerns
- You no longer feel safe driving the vehicle or have lost confidence in its reliability
Even if your Mach-E was repaired, you may still qualify for compensation due to diminished value or safety risks.
Steps to File a Ford Mustang Mach-E Lawsuit
- Document the Problem Keep records of all malfunctions, repair attempts, recall notices, and communications with Ford or dealerships.
- Check Recall Status Visit the NHTSA website or Ford’s recall portal to confirm your vehicle’s inclusion in recall campaign 22V412.
- Consult a Lemon Law or Product Liability Attorney Choose a lawyer experienced in EV defect litigation and California consumer protection laws.
- File a Claim or Join a Class Action Depending on your situation, you may file an individual lawsuit or join an existing class action.
- Submit Supporting Evidence Include service records, repair invoices, photos, and expert evaluations if available.
- Negotiate or Litigate Many cases settle out of court. If Ford refuses to compensate, your attorney may proceed to trial.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
Depending on the nature of your claim, you may be entitled to:
- Vehicle buyback or replacement
- Refund of purchase price, taxes, and registration fees
- Reimbursement for repairs, towing, and rental cars
- Compensation for loss of use and diminished value
- Civil penalties and attorney’s fees
- Punitive damages (in cases of willful misconduct)
California’s Lemon Law is especially favorable to consumers and may entitle you to a full refund if Ford cannot fix the defect within a reasonable number of attempts.
Final Thoughts
If your Ford Mustang Mach-E has experienced power loss, charging failures, or battery contactor issues, you may have a valid legal claim. Ford’s recall and software updates have not resolved all safety concerns, and affected drivers deserve accountability. Filing a lawsuit can help you recover financial losses and ensure safer standards for future EVs.
References
- ClassAction.org. . (2022, July 7). Ford Hit with Class Action Lawsuit After Mustang Mach-E Recall. Retrieved from https://www.classaction.org/news/ford-hit-with-class-action-lawsuit-after-mustang-mach-e-recall
- Lemon Law Experts. (2023, June 12). Ford Mustang Mach-E Recall 2023: Can You File a Lawsuit? Retrieved from https://lemonlawexperts.com/ford-mustang-mach-e-recall
- Ford Authority. (2024, November 8). Ford Mustang Mach-E Class Action Lawsuit Dismissed. Retrieved from https://fordauthority.com/2024/11/ford-mustang-mach-e-class-action-lawsuit-dismissed
