Ford Motor Company has announced a recall involving select 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E crossovers due to a defect in the high-voltage battery contactor. The recall — though limited in the number of vehicles affected — raises significant safety concerns and highlights continuing reliability questions with Ford’s electric vehicle lineup. The issue specifically concerns Mach-E models with the extended-range battery pack built between May 25 and May 27, 2022. Ford began contacting affected owners on July 10, 2025, under recall number 23S56. For California drivers, this Ford Mach-E battery recall is particularly worrying given the state’s heavy adoption of EVs and strict consumer protection laws.
Even though the recall covers a relatively small production run (239 vehicles), the potential for sudden loss of drive power or battery-related thermal events makes this a serious safety matter. Early adopters of EVs expect cutting-edge technology — but they also expect vehicles that operate safely and reliably. When that expectation isn’t met, California’s legal protections become important. If your Mach-E has experienced warning lights, sudden power loss, charging issues, or any signs of overheating, you should pay close attention to the recall notice and your repair records. The presence of a Ford Mach-E battery fire defect notation in recall documents — or symptoms suggestive of one — can change your legal options under California law.
This recall contributes to an ongoing conversation about how automakers handle battery safety and thermal management in modern electric cars. Consumers rely on manufacturers to identify, communicate, and repair defects promptly; anything less erodes trust and increases risks on the road. For many Mach-E owners in California, the recall creates uncertainty: is Ford’s remedy sufficient, or will the problem persist? Below we explain what went wrong, which vehicles are affected, the risks to drivers, and what legal remedies may be available.
Understanding the Recall: What Went Wrong
Ford’s recall notice explains that in affected Mach-E vehicles — those equipped with the extended-range battery pack — the high-voltage battery main contactors may overheat. The contactors are critical electrical switches inside the high-voltage junction box that allow current to flow from the battery to the motor and other systems. When contactors overheat, they can deform or fail to make proper contact, which can cause abrupt loss of drive power and other electrical malfunctions.
An overheated contactor can also lead to localized thermal events within the junction box, which is why the recall language references the potential for a Ford Mach-E battery fire defect even if Ford reports no confirmed incidents. While Ford has stated it is not aware of any accidents or injuries tied to this defect, the possibility of sudden power loss — especially at highway speeds or during maneuvers — creates a meaningful safety hazard for drivers and passengers. That’s why the company is replacing the high-voltage battery junction box free of charge at dealerships.
Ford’s initial mitigation included owner notifications and parts replacement; however, some owners have reported residual electrical warnings or intermittent power anomalies even after service visits. These follow-up symptoms suggest the defect may not be purely isolated to one component in all cases, and they highlight the importance of thorough inspections and documentation. For owners, recurring issues or repeated trips to the dealership strengthen the case that the vehicle is unsafe or unfit for its intended use — which triggers California’s consumer protections. If you see repeated warnings, unexpected shutoffs, or charging interruptions, keep careful records: those details matter if you later consider a legal claim for a Ford Mach-E Lemon Law battery issue.
Safety Risks and Consumer Concerns
The most immediate safety risk tied to the defect is sudden loss of propulsion. When a vehicle loses drive power unexpectedly, drivers may be unable to accelerate out of a dangerous situation, merge safely, or avoid obstacles. Even brief lapses in propulsion on a busy highway or at an intersection can increase crash risk. That’s why a battery contactor overheating problem is more than a technical recall — it’s a real road-safety issue.
Another concern is the potential for thermal events in the battery junction box. Although Ford hasn’t reported confirmed fires related to this recall, the term Ford Mach-E battery fire defect appears in public safety discussions because overheated electrical components sometimes lead to heat generation and, in rare cases, ignition. The presence of any fire risk, however remote, understandably alarms consumers and regulators alike. For California drivers, who often park vehicles in attached garages and densely populated areas, the stakes feel especially high.
Consumer frustration also stems from repair timelines and communication. Some owners report delayed dealership appointments, limited parts availability, or conflicting information about fix timelines — issues that leave drivers without reliable transportation for extended periods. Repeated dealership visits for the same or related electrical defects can quickly add up to significant downtime and inconvenience, which are both relevant factors in a Lemon Law claim. The bottom line: even if a defect is fixed on paper, the residual safety risk and repeated disruptions can give rise to legal remedies under California law.
Which Ford Mach-E Vehicles Are Affected? 
Ford’s recall identifies select 2022 Mustang Mach-E models equipped with the extended-range battery pack that were manufactured between May 25 and May 27, 2022. The official number of affected vehicles is small — 239 units — but the consequences of the defect for a single driver can be substantial. Owners should check their VIN against Ford’s recall database and watch for direct communications from FoMoCo if they suspect their vehicle was produced during the identified window.
Because recall coverage can expand as more data becomes available, owners of nearby model years or Mach-E variants should remain vigilant. California, as a high-adoption EV market, may see a disproportionate number of affected vehicles simply because more Mach-Es are registered here. If you haven’t received a recall notice but experience symptoms like unexpected deceleration, dashboard warnings, or failure to charge, treat those signals seriously and seek service immediately.
Symptoms owners have reported include intermittent warning messages, sudden reduction in available power, “stop safely now” alerts, or difficulty initiating charging sessions. If any of these occur — especially repeatedly — document dates, times, dealer service orders, and any correspondence with Ford. That documentation may be crucial if your vehicle continues to show defects after the repair and you pursue a Ford Mach-E Lemon Law battery issue claim in California.
Ford’s Response and Regulatory Oversight
Ford has instructed dealers to replace the high-voltage battery junction box free of charge for affected vehicles and initiated owner notification as of July 10, 2025. The company’s recall reference number for this issue is 23S56. Ford’s public posture is to remedy the problem via component replacement and reassure owners that they will not bear the costs of repair for the recalled defect.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) monitors such recalls closely to determine whether the remedy is adequate and whether additional action is necessary. If owners report continuing failures after dealer repairs, NHTSA may push for an expanded remedy or further enforcement measures. California state consumer protection agencies and safety advocates also keep a watchful eye on EV-related recalls, given the unique risks associated with high-voltage systems.
Public pressure often helps accelerate permanent fixes and ensures more transparent communication. Consumer groups have pushed automakers to be proactive with EV safety information because battery defects can have different, and sometimes more severe, consequences than traditional mechanical failures. If Ford’s replacement parts do not fully resolve the problem for some owners, legal claims and regulatory follow-ups — including expanded recalls — are more likely to follow.
The Stakes for Ford Mach-E Owners in California 
For Mach-E owners in California, this recall is not merely a paperwork exercise — it’s a question of safety, reliability, and legal rights. California’s vehicle usage patterns (long commutes, urban parking, high EV adoption) make powertrain reliability a top priority for residents. Losing power unexpectedly or living with unresolved electrical warnings undermines confidence in the vehicle and can disrupt daily life.
California’s Lemon Law offers meaningful remedies if a defect substantially impairs safety, value, or use and isn’t fixed after a reasonable number of attempts. Repeated dealership visits, extended out-of-service time, and persistent warnings can all factor into whether your Mach-E qualifies as a lemon. The legal protections apply to both purchased and leased vehicles, ensuring a broad safety net for consumers facing unresolved EV defects.
If your Mach-E continues to experience power loss, charging failures, or other battery-related problems after the recall repair, you should start preserving evidence. Keep service invoices, recall letters, dates of service, and any communications with Ford or dealers. The stronger the documentation, the better your position to pursue a Ford Mach-E Lemon Law battery issue claim if repairs fail to restore your vehicle to safe, reliable operation.
How The Barry Law Firm Can Help
At The Barry Law Firm, we specialize in helping California consumers take legal action against manufacturers when their vehicles fail to meet quality and safety standards. If your Ford Mustang Mach-E has been in the shop repeatedly for battery defects or loss-of-power issues, or if a recall or repair attempt has not fixed the problem, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash compensation under California’s Lemon Law.
Lemon Law Expertise – We specialize in California Lemon Law cases and know how to hold manufacturers accountable.
No Upfront Costs – The California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay our fees. That means, at The Barry Law Firm, we will never charge you, no matter the outcome of your case. Proven Success – We have helped thousands of consumers obtain favorable settlements for their defective vehicles.
Personalized Attention – We handle all legal paperwork and negotiations so you don’t have to deal with the stress.
If Ford’s recall or software updates haven’t resolved your Ford Mach-E Lemon Law battery issue, you may have a case. Contact us today to explore your options.
Closing
The Ford Mach-E battery recall — even limited in scope — is a sober reminder that electric vehicles introduce new safety considerations that manufacturers must address proactively. Ford’s replacement remedy should reduce risk for affected owners, but recurring reports of electrical warnings and residual power loss underscore why drivers must stay vigilant. For California consumers who rely on their vehicles for work, family, and daily life, unresolved battery defects are much more than a nuisance — they are a potential hazard.
Document every service visit, keep your recall notices, and monitor your vehicle for any signs of malfunction. If your Mach-E experiences repeated failures after recall repairs, California’s Lemon Law exists to protect you and holds manufacturers accountable for lasting defects.
At The Barry Law Firm, we believe consumers shouldn’t have to accept repeated repairs or ongoing safety risks as the price of embracing new technology. When safety, reliability, and trust are compromised, we’re here to fight for the rights of California drivers.
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