Ford recalls nearly 150,000 Mustangs over wiring defect that can cause sudden power loss

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford is recalling 148,663 Mustang vehicles from the 2024 through 2026 model years because engine compartment wiring harness ground connections may fracture and cut drive power, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a notice covered by Fox Business.

The defect can make a vehicle stall or lose the ability to accelerate or hold speed, raising crash risk. The same failure can knock out headlights, the windshield washer system, air conditioning and the engine cooling fan. Dark headlights or a failed washer system also raise crash risk, the notice said.

Drivers may see a Check Engine light, other dashboard messages or hear a chime shortly before power drops. NHTSA said adhesive from heat-shrink tubing on the wiring can spill onto metal eyelets that bolt the grounds to the engine. Hardened adhesive can keep the eyelets from sitting flush, so they bend under the bolt and later crack from vibration. When an eyelet breaks, critical systems can shut down.

About 1% of the recalled vehicles are estimated to have the defect. Build dates run from Sept. 7, 2022, to June 9, 2026. As of Aug. 18, 2026, Ford reported eight warranty claims and no accidents, injuries or owner questionnaires tied to the issue.

Dealers will replace the terminals with redesigned, stronger metal parts at no charge. Dealer notices went out Aug. 28. Owner letters were scheduled between Aug. 31 and Sept. 4. Full parts supply is expected by March 2027. Owners can check a 17-character VIN on the NHTSA site, call Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332, or contact a Ford or Lincoln dealer.