Bad Software Update Sends 86 Mach-Es Back to the Shop

The affected cars reportedly received a new BECM software update during a prior repair. That update is the culprit. Cars running it might show the wrong charge reading on the gauge, or, through a distinct fault, let the pack run too hot.

Neither outcome is trivial. If the true state-of-charge sits lower than the gauge claims, the Mach-E can hit unexpected power limitation and eventually lose forward propulsion entirely — which is exactly the sort of surprise you don't want in a merge lane. The overheating scenario raises the risk of a battery fire. Ford says it is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires tied to the condition.

This is a narrow recall. Only 86 units are involved, all Mustang Mach-E crossovers built between July 3rd, 2023, and August 26th, 2025. That the trigger was a repair-time software update rather than a factory error explains the tiny count — this is a cleanup of cars that already came in for service and left with the wrong code loaded.

Dealers will update the BECM software at no charge. Owner notifications began going out on September 9th, 2026, under Ford reference number 26S68. Owners waiting on paperwork can reach Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332, or contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or via www.nhtsa.gov. The FoMoCo recall number is 26S68.

A recall born from a botched service update is a particular kind of embarrassment — the sort where the medicine and the disease share a diagnosis code. This one traces back to a software update applied during a prior service visit.

[Images: Ford]

Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.