A Ford Mustang Mach-E left a family in panic after an electrical failure trapped a 9-month-old baby inside the car for 40 minutes.
The vehicle, which replaces manual door handles with electronic buttons, completely stopped working while parked at a charging station in Los Angeles. Despite several attempts using the app, key fob, and roadside assistance, no solution could unlock the vehicle, forcing the father to break a window to rescue the baby, who emerged unscathed.
The issue occurred because the 12-volt auxiliary battery, which powers smaller functions like doors and windows, was partially discharged. Without enough power to operate the doors, but not fully depleted enough to be recharged, the failure rendered the vehicle inoperable.
These advanced electronic systems, increasingly common in electric vehicles, promise to improve safety and efficiency but may pose risks when automatic functions fail, particularly in emergency situations.
After the incident, Ford contacted the owner, offering coverage for damages and a rental car while investigating the case. Despite the assistance, the owner stated that they no longer feel safe using the Mach-E with their family and said they would seek vehicles with manual locks in the future to avoid similar situations.
The failure also raises concerns about the growing dependence on electronic systems in modern vehicles.
Source: InsideEVs | Photo: X @FordMustang | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team