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Ford’s OTA Update Glitch Can Disable Critical Braking And Stability Systems
- Ford has been forced to recall Mustang Mach-E models after an over-the-air update went wrong.
- In addition to disabling the ABS, ESC, and traction control, the OTA reduces the regenerative braking.
- The Ford Maverick is also being recalled due to a fault with the 2nd-row child seat tether anchors.
Ford has issued two new recalls in the United States, impacting the 2021 Mustang Mach-E and the 2024 Maverick. Fortunately for the car manufacturer, one of the recalls only impacts 50 vehicles, while the other is limited to just 6 units.
The largest of the two recalls impacts the Mustang Mach-E. Ford has revealed an over-the-air update rolled out to the anti-lock braking system calibration file can cause the ABS to switch to its default configuration. If this happens, the brake system will not provide brake power assist, meaning customers may notice longer pedal travel, higher pedal efforts, and experience reduced braking response.
Read: Ford Bronco And Ranger Recalled Over Loose And Missing Nuts
This isn’t the only thing owners of certain Mustang Mach-E models have to worry about. In addition to causing the brake power assist system to stop functioning, the over-the-air update also disables the ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and pre-collision assist systems. It also reduces the capabilities of the regenerative braking system.
Owners of impacted models may notice several ABS-related warning lights and text on the instrument cluster at start-up. All 50 Mustang-Mach E models being recalled were built between August 28, 2020, and September 24, 2021.
Dealers will rectify the issue by updating the ABS calibration. Owners will be alerted of the recall from November 4.
The second recall involves six examples of the 2024 Ford Maverick. In this case, the second-row child seat tether anchors have been installed with below-average thread-forming torque. If the thread does not completely engage, vehicles may not meet the strength requirements for child restraint anchorage systems and fall foul of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Ford has blamed the issue on unauthorized rework at a supplier facility in Mexico.
All impacted Mavericks were built on August 28, 2024. Ford will inform owners of the fault by December 2 and instruct them to take vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealership, where the tether anchorage points will be repaired free of charge.
