Image: FordA filing by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an issue with 2021-23 Mach-E‘s differential pinion shaft could cause it to fracture due to bending fatigue. It states that this could “result in a loss of drive power, or unintended vehicle movement if the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash”.A total of 42,784 vehicles are estimated to be affected by the recall – all of which feature a rear-wheel drivetrain – meaning they lack a front motor that can keep the car moving if the rear differential breaks. An NHTSA document states: On March 11, 2026, Ford’s Product Development team shared the results of a teardown analysis of a rear differential recovered from a 2023 Model Year Mustang Mach-E vehicle in Europe. The analysis identified a failed rear differential pinion shaft.”It continues: “From March to May 2026, failed pinion shafts from 6 additional warranty-return parts were analyzed by Ford’s material laboratories. This analysis determined that all pinion shafts had experienced bending fatigue failures. The investigation team also learned of pinion shafts from two previously returned differentials analysed by the Primary Drive Unit supplier in 2025 that showed evidence of bending fatigue failure. Analysis of returned parts determined that the pinion shafts had experienced bending fatigue failures.”According to the report, Ford was aware of 62 warranty claims as of June 11, 2026. Owners of the vehicles in question will be contacted by Ford from July 13, 2026. They will be instructed to take their vehicles to Ford or Lincoln dealerships for inspection, and, if necessary, repairs – all free-of-charge.nhtsa.gov, insideevs.com
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