Eliminating “true” door handles might look slick and give an aerodynamic edge to electric vehicles, but the lack of proper handles can cause more problems than the aesthetic is worth. The Ford Mustang Mach-E E-Latch system was designed to simplify locking and unlocking, but in practice, owners have reported various issues. Some have experienced doors refusing to open, while others have found the system unresponsive or even locking them out unexpectedly if the vehicle’s battery dies, prompting owners in California to launch a class action lawsuit over the matter.
The lawsuit, reported by Car Complaints, argues that the Ford Mustang Mach-E E-Latch system is “designed to open electrically at the touch of a button, but unlike most cars with electronic door handles, the Mustang Mach-E does not have a fail-safe physical key that can be used should the battery fail; there’s no hidden physical slot to insert one.”
Instead, if the doors lock and cannot be opened, owners are expected to connect the electric crossover to an external 12-volt power supply – assuming they have access to one – and jump-start the battery in order to unlock the doors. The lawsuit argues that the necessary equipment is typically stored inside the vehicle. If the Ford Mustang Mach-E won’t unlock, then stranded owners can’t even get to the equipment necessary to remedy the situation, rendering the entire process useless.
The lawsuit also alleges that the E-Latch failure can be a safety issue if occupants like children or pets are trapped inside the vehicle, especially in a hot environment. While the doors can be opened from the inside even if the battery dies, children may be unable to operate the levers themselves – and obviously, pets can’t, either.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E E-Latch system lawsuit was filed by California Ford Mustang Mach-E owners John Salas and Francisco Xavier Gonzalez in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
This issue has been going on for a while. Last year, Ford Authority argued that the Ford Mustang Mach-E could stand to get redesigned door handles, which are simpler and more intuitive to use. A Mustang Mach-E owner even took to Threads to share their ordeal earlier this year when their nine-month-old son became trapped in the vehicle after the doors failed to unlock.
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This is what happens when engineers forget that real humans use cars.
Absolutely.
Thing is they didn't copy Tesla genius. Their lock and handle design is completely different. Are you an idiot or just uninformed?
This is an example of a manufacturer being a Lemming just to copy Tesla when not a single person asked for the ridiculous tech to begin with.
They actually designed the locks and handles the way they did. Because Tesla owners complaints from feedback. As well as dashboard layout and a slew of other things. Previous Tesla owners told the Ford engineers they hated about them. The Mach E was designed to be anything but a Tesla. Did you just wake up and comment on the first article you read today? I've been a car enthusiast my whole life. Got Road & Track, Car and Driver and Motor Trend since I was kid. I love how this uptick in electric cars has spurred these Prius owners to buy Teslas. And now they think they're gear heads. Do yourselves a favor before commenting on the competitor. RESEARCH
Happen to me when an OTA update caused an issue with one of the modules. Had to wait until the 12v battery died (causing the module to shut down) so I could use the front plug to open the frunk and jump the battery. Worse part, nobody could get it out of my garage.
Insane idea with not lots of thought given to the owner/operator. YEP, everything is on automatic and nothing can GO WRONG - GO WRONG - GO WRONG -GO WRONG.
There has been an issue with locks on Ford's for decades now. Google it on National Transportation website.