2021-present · 91 kWh (88 kWh usable) · 351 HP AWD · ~490 km WLTP
Ford's first mass-market electric SUV - bold styling, impressive performance, but reliability has been problematic for early models. The 2021 model year is particularly troubled with High Voltage Battery Junction Box failures, 12V battery drain issues, and software glitches. 2022 models show some improvement but still suffer from HVJB problems. 2023+ models are more reliable but not immune to issues. Consumer Reports gave 2022 models an ultra-low 1/5 reliability rating. Main concerns: HVJB overheating (especially on Extended Range models built before June 2022), 12V battery dying without warning, infotainment screen freezing, charging faults, and Phone as a Key connectivity problems. Battery degradation appears excellent - one owner reached 250,000 miles with only 4% degradation. Eight-year warranty on high-voltage battery provides good protection.
High Voltage Battery Junction Box (HVJB) failure€2,500 - €3,600
DC fast charging and hard acceleration overheat contactors, causing loss of drive power · more· less
The most serious issue on Extended Range and GT models built between May 2020 and May 2022. The high voltage battery main contactors overheat from DC fast charging and wide-open pedal events, leading to deformation that prevents proper closing or causes contacts to weld closed. This results in sudden loss of motive power while driving. Multiple recalls issued (23S56). Some owners report 3+ HVJB replacements on the same vehicle within 2 years. Cars built before June 2022 have the inferior design most prone to failure. Covered under recall/warranty, but out-of-warranty costs €2,500-3,600 at dealers. Extreme cases involving battery pack damage reached €58,000 repair quotes.
12V battery drain and failure€130 - €280
12V battery dies without warning, leaving car completely disabled regardless of HV battery charge · more· less
Extremely common issue especially on 2021 models - "12V batteries dropping like flies with no warning." When the 12V dies, the entire car becomes inoperable since all electronics depend on it, even if the main battery is fully charged. Causes include Phone as a Key constantly waking the car, third-party apps polling vehicle data, OBD devices, hardwired dashcams, and short trips not allowing sufficient recharge time. The DC-DC converter only charges the 12V when the car is ON or when HV battery is charging - it won't charge if parked at full charge. Some owners report 3+ battery replacements. Solution: keep car plugged in when parked, disable Bluetooth when home to prevent PAAK wakeups. Covered under 3-year warranty, otherwise €130-280 replacement cost.
Touchscreen freezes, goes black, or repeatedly restarts, disabling backup camera and climate control · more· less
SYNC 4A system freezes, displays black screen, or gets stuck in boot loop showing only Ford logo. When frozen at startup, owners lose backup camera, climate control, GPS, Bluetooth, and radio - only motor, lights and wipers work. Affects approximately 1 in 10 drives for some owners. Reset procedure (hold volume down + next track on steering wheel) doesn't always work. Often requires dealer reprogramming or hard reset. Over-the-air software updates have helped some cases but not all. Most repairs covered under warranty, but out-of-warranty SYNC module replacement can cost €800-1,200.
Charging problems and slow charging speeds€500 - €2,800
DC fast charging limited to 40 kW instead of 100+ kW, home charging stops unexpectedly · more· less
Multiple charging issues reported: DC fast charging stuck at 40 kW when should be 100+ kW, "Plugged in, not charging" error after software updates, Ford mobile charger overheating and slowing down, and charging station fault messages. Root cause often relates to battery thermal management - plastic carrier design blocks heat conduction, causing cells to overheat and limit charging speed. Also related to HVJB issues. Dealers may replace Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module (SOBDM), Battery Control Module (BCM), or charging port components. Ford mobile charger failures common - covered under 3-year warranty. Out-of-warranty charging system repairs range €500-2,800 depending on component.
Front drive unit whine noise (AWD models)€100 - €2,500
High-pitched whine from front motor at 30-40 mph, worsens over time on AWD non-GT models · more· less
AWD non-GT models exhibit whine noise from front drive unit at steady speeds between 30-40 mph. TSB 23-2261 addresses this with software update to reduce (but not eliminate) noise. Some owners report progressive worsening to unbearable levels resembling bad wheel bearing. At 30,000+ km, noise can become loud enough for neighbors to hear outside the car. Ford software updates provide partial improvement. Complete front drive unit replacement required in severe cases. Software update covered under warranty (inspection €100), but drive unit replacement out-of-warranty estimated €2,000-2,500.
Phone as a Key (PAAK) connectivity problems€0 - €400
PAAK fails to unlock car, requires backup passcode or fob, drains phone battery significantly · more· less
Phone as a Key frequently fails to recognize phone, requiring manual unlock via FordPass app or backup passcode. First drive of each day often problematic - subsequent drives work fine. iOS 18 update caused increased failures for many owners. FordPass app constantly attempting connection prevents phones from entering low power state, causing severe battery drain on both iPhone and Android. Some Pixel users report phone "almost dead" after 4+ hours of driving even with wireless charging. TSB available for 2021 models - dealer can reprogram RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module to fix Bluetooth disconnection issues. Workaround: keep physical fob as backup, disable Bluetooth when home. Covered under warranty; RFA reprogramming €150-400 out-of-warranty.
Glass roof or windshield improperly bonded, causing water leaks or risk of detachment · more· less
Recall 21V712000 (Ford 21S42) affects 13,544 US vehicles built Feb 2020-July 2021 where panoramic glass roof may not be properly attached. Also affects windshields (21V711000). Symptoms include increased wind noise and water leaks. If detachment occurs while driving, creates serious safety hazard. Ford applies additional urethane adhesive and reinstalls roof/windshield under recall at no cost. Out-of-warranty replacement requires removing windshield and rear hatch - labor alone around €2,500. Resin repair not possible; full glass roof replacement only option for damage. Heat transmission also an issue in hot climates despite tinting.
Premature tire wear€800 - €1,400
Stock Michelin Primacy tires wear faster than warranty suggests, 30-40k miles vs 45k rated · more· less
Heavy EV weight causes accelerated tire wear. Stock Michelin Primacy A/S tires (warrantied for 45k miles) often need replacement at 30-35k miles based on owner measurements. At 22,000 miles, tread depth drops to 5-6/32", indicating only 40-50% remaining. FWD models experience front tires wearing twice as fast as rears. Replacement tires must be Extra Load rated for the Mach-E's weight. OEM Michelin 225/55R19 tires cost approximately €250-320 each in Europe. Complete set of four: €1,000-1,400 installed. European market requires TPMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) rating for all-season tires; many owners run separate winter/summer sets.
Early models (2021-2022) have significant reliability problems
The Mach-E has potential but execution has been problematic, especially for 2021-2022 models. HVJB failures on pre-June 2022 builds and widespread 12V battery issues make early examples risky purchases. Consumer Reports gave 2022 models a 1/5 reliability rating. Software and charging issues persist across all years. Buy 2023+ if possible, and only with comprehensive warranty coverage. Most issues covered under Ford's generous 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty, but out-of-warranty repairs are expensive.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history and software updates
Verify all recalls completed, especially HVJB replacement on pre-June 2022 builds. Check software version is current.
High voltage battery State of Health (SOH)
Use OBD tool or Recurrent service to check battery SOH. Minimum 92% considered good. Check for signs of battery overheating or thermal management issues.
Tires
Check tread depth, age, uneven wear. Fronts wear faster on FWD models. Replacement due around 35-40k miles.
Cold start and 12V battery
Start car after sitting overnight to test 12V battery health. Check for any warning messages or delayed screen startup.
Test drive minimum 20 minutes
Test SYNC system, climate control, charging, Phone as a Key. Drive at varied speeds including 30-40 mph to check for front drive unit whine on AWD models.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify build date - critical for HVJB risk
Use VIN to check build date. Cars built before June 2022 have inferior HVJB design prone to failure. Verify HVJB recall 23S56 completed. Major negotiating point if not done.
Test 12V battery thoroughly
For 2021 models especially: verify 12V battery age and test voltage. Ask if battery has been replaced previously. Check for any aftermarket OBD devices or hardwired dashcams that could drain 12V.
SYNC 4A screen operation
Perform complete cold start with screen off for 10+ minutes. Verify screen boots properly, no black screen or freezing. Test backup camera, climate controls, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.
Charging test at DC fast charger
If possible, test DC fast charging. Should reach 100+ kW at low state of charge, not limited to 40 kW. Check for any "Charge Station Fault" messages.
Phone as a Key functionality
Test PAAK multiple times - lock, unlock, start. First unlock of the day is most problematic. Verify physical key fob is included and working.
Check panoramic roof and windshield
Inspect roof edges for proper sealing, water stains, excessive wind noise. Verify recall 21S42 (roof) and 21C22 (windshield) completed on 2021 models.
Listen for front drive unit whine (AWD)
Drive at steady 30-40 mph and listen for high-pitched whine from front. Some whine is normal after TSB update, but should not be loud or worsening.
Check frunk operation and drainage
Open/close frunk multiple times. Check drain hole is clear. Verify no water intrusion or seal defects.
Inspect undercarriage and charge port
Check for damage, corrosion, or fluid leaks. Test charge port door operation. Verify no charging cable damage.
24S51: Front windshield wiper motor failure (2023-2024)Check if applicable
Rearview camera software freeze/delay (2021-2023)OTA update available
TSB 23-2261: Front drive unit whine (AWD non-GT)Software update reduces noise
Contact Ford dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. HVJB recall (23S56) is most critical - affects Extended Range and GT models built before May 2022. Many recalls addressed via over-the-air software updates.
Warranty Status
Basic warranty (bumper-to-bumper)3 years / 60,000 km
Powertrain warranty5 years / 100,000 km
High Voltage Battery & electric motors8 years / 160,000 km (70% capacity retention)
12V battery3 years (labor first 2 years)
Roadside assistance5 years / 100,000 km
Ford's 8-year/160,000 km warranty on the high-voltage battery and electric motors provides excellent coverage - includes HVJB and related components. Battery must retain at least 70% of original capacity. 2021 models may already be outside 3-year basic warranty. Extended warranty (Ford Protect) available for additional coverage. All warranties transferable to subsequent owners.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.