Ford Mustang Mach-E Recalled Because a Low 12-Volt Battery Can Trap Passengers

If the 12-volt battery is drained below 8.4 volts, there is no power available to operate the electronic door handles. The risk scenario outlined in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents is that a front occupant could exit but not re-enter, and there is the possibility that a rear passenger may not know how to open the back door or be able to do so.

This is a particular concern with children in the back seat during hot weather. However, passengers could exit the vehicle by using the mechanical release function, as outlined in the owner’s manual.

There may be indicators before this problem occurs:

• When the power is in the “off” position, the SYNC infotainment screen may display a “system off to save power” warning or a blank screen, signaling an imminent issue.
• When exiting the vehicle through a front door, an occupant may notice that the inside release handle needs to be pulled farther than normal to unlatch the door.