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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has escalated its investigation into Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system following two fatal crashes involving the Mustang Mach-E.
The investigation has now moved to the “engineering analysis” phase, which is the final step before a potential recall. This expanded probe covers 129,222 vehicles from model years 2021-2024 that are equipped with BlueCruise technology.
History Behind the Investigation
In April 2024, NHTSA launched its initial probe after two fatal crashes occurred with BlueCruise engaged.
- February 2024 (San Antonio, TX): A Mustang Mach-E rear-ended a stationary Honda CR-V, killing the 56-year-old driver.
- March 2024 (Philadelphia, PA): Another Mach-E struck two stationary vehicles, resulting in two fatalities.
Further investigation uncovered four additional crashes in which Ford vehicles using BlueCruise or other driver-assist features failed to detect stationary or slow-moving objects at high speeds.
Key Issues with Ford’s BlueCruise System
According to NHTSA’s findings, Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Pre-Collision Assist, which work alongside BlueCruise, struggle with detecting stationary objects when vehicles are traveling at speeds above 62 mph.
- The sensor system is designed to ignore stationary objects at high speeds to prevent false detections.
- This means the system may fail to apply brakes when approaching stopped or slow-moving vehicles, especially at night.
- Data from the event recorders in the crashes revealed that drivers did not attempt to brake or swerve, and the system failed to decelerate before impact.
NHTSA also noted that poor visibility conditions, such as low lighting or nighttime driving, may further impair the system’s ability to detect obstacles.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
NHTSA’s engineering analysis now covers 129,222 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with BlueCruise:
- 2021-2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Other Ford and Lincoln models with hands-free driving capabilities
Additionally, Ford has over 2.5 million vehicles equipped with partial driving automation systems such as Lane Centering Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, which are now also under increased scrutiny.
What Ford Owners Need to Know
NHTSA’s investigation has not yet led to an official recall, but it is a critical step toward one. While Ford is cooperating with regulators, owners of BlueCruise-equipped vehicles should exercise caution when using the system.
- Stay aware while using BlueCruise and be prepared to take over at any moment.
- Avoid relying on hands-free driving in poor visibility or at high speeds.
- Monitor updates from Ford and NHTSA regarding potential fixes or software updates.
For more information, Ford owners can contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or check the NHTSA database at www.nhtsa.gov for updates.
How Ford Owners Can Take Back Control
While no recall has been issued yet, many Ford owners remain concerned about the limitations of BlueCruise and similar driver-assist technologies. If issues persist or escalate, legal action could follow – emphasizing the importance of protecting consumer rights.
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