Two Distinct Issues, Two Recalls
It is important for owners to understand that these are two separate recalls affecting different models for different reasons. The first recall involves nearly 43,000 Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs from the 2021 to 2023 model years. The second, larger recall covers
more than 67,000 gasoline-powered Mustang and Mustang GTD cars from the 2024 to 2026 model years. In total, the campaigns cover 110,626 vehicles in the United States. Federal regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified both defects as potential safety risks that could increase the chance of a crash.
Mach-E: A Potential Loss of Power
For the Mustang Mach-E, the issue lies with the rear differential pinion shaft on rear-wheel-drive models. According to documents filed with NHTSA, this shaft can bend or fracture. A failure of this component could lead to a sudden loss of driving power. Additionally, if the vehicle is in Park without the electronic parking brake applied, it could potentially move unintentionally, creating a rollaway risk. Ford has stated that while the root cause is still under investigation, it is aware of several dozen warranty claims related to the problem but no accidents or injuries. A warning light may appear on the dashboard before a failure occurs.
Mustang: Wipers Failing in the Cold
The recall for the traditional gasoline-powered Mustang, including the high-performance GTD model, centers on the windshield wipers. Under certain cold weather conditions at or below freezing, the wiper motor may lose communication with the vehicle's control module. This can cause the wipers to operate only on their highest speed setting. More critically, the windshield washer system may not function at all. This loss of visibility during cold and potentially hazardous weather prompted the recall action. Ford noted that a supplier used an incorrect equipment setting during the manufacturing of a semiconductor chip for the wiper motor.
The Plan for a Fix
For both recalls, dealers will perform the necessary repairs free of charge for all affected owners. For Mustang Mach-E owners, dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair or replace the entire rear differential assembly. For the Mustang and Mustang GTD, dealers will inspect the windshield wiper motor and replace it if it's found to be defective. Given the different nature of the repairs, the timelines for owner notification and parts availability will vary. Ford has begun the process of notifying owners, but the final remedy for some vehicles may take time.
What Owners Should Do Now
Ford is expected to mail interim notification letters to affected owners throughout July 2026. These initial letters will inform owners of the safety risk associated with their vehicle. A second letter will be sent once the parts and procedures for the final remedy are available at dealerships. Owners do not need to wait for a letter to see if their car is included. You can check if your specific vehicle is part of either recall by entering your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the official NHTSA website or Ford's dedicated recall lookup page. The VIN can be found on your vehicle's registration card or at the base of the windshield on the driver's side.
