A safety issue may render the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover immobile, Ford said in a statement. The company recalled over 48,500 of the vehicles. 

A battery high-voltage contactor might overheat, causing the vehicle to become unable to start or to lose power while moving, according to the recall. The reason for the warning is that an overheated contactor that opens while driving could cause a loss of motive power, increasing the chances of an accident.

Nearly half of the estimated 100,000 Mustang Mach-Es produced at this time are affected by the problem, Ford says. Ford has been facing hiccups with its mass-market electric vehicle rollout, which has helped push Ford to second place in EV sales behind Tesla.

These vehicles were built at the automaker's Cuautitlan factory in Mexico between May 27th, 2020, and May 24th, 2022, and show the model year 2021 and 2022. A Ford dealer notice also notified them that no Mustang Mach-Es will be delivered until a software fix has been implemented.

It has yet to be posted on the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said Said Deep, although a recall has been filed with the agency. Deep said NHTSA is not currently conducting safety investigations.

The problem can be corrected through an over-the-air software update, which Ford says will be available 'next month.' Mustang Mach-E owners may also take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealership for a more immediate software fix. According to Deep, Ford has not issued any instructions regarding the safety recall.

Ford's electrification strategy is entering a crucial stage as customers begin to receive their first F-150 Lightning trucks. The company reported selling 6,254 electric vehicle units in May 2022, representing an increase of about 222 percent year over year. These vehicles represent about 4.2 percent of Ford's total sales. The Mustang Mach-E, with 5,179 sales in May, accounted for the majority of these sales.

The Mustang has hit speed bumps before. In spring 2021, Ford will roll out the all-electric vehicle after additional quality checks. Other issues include improperly attached seatbelts, loose subframe bolts, and unintended acceleration.