Ford Issues Major Mustang Recall Over Water Leak and Lighting Failure Risks

Ford Motor Company has announced a significant safety recall affecting over 105,000 Mustang vehicles. The action targets 2024 and 2025 model-year cars due to a water leak defect. This issue can cause critical exterior lights to fail unexpectedly.

The problem centers on improperly sealed body seams. Water intrusion can damage a key electronic module, leading to a loss of lighting. According to Reuters, this marks one of several recent recalls from the automaker.

Investigation Reveals Widespread Sealing Defect

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) filed the official recall notice. It states water may enter the body control module. This can cause a complete loss of communication with the exterior lighting system.

This failure can prevent the taillights, side markers, and license plate light from illuminating. Non-functioning taillights pose a severe crash risk, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions. Drivers behind may not see the vehicle slowing down or stopping.

From Initial Discovery to Full Recall Action

Ford’s internal investigation began in April. A development team first noticed a headlight issue on a single vehicle. The probe soon revealed a pattern of warranty claims related to lighting and battery drain.

The root cause was traced to inconsistent robotic and manual sealer application. This occurred during manufacturing at the cowl top and lower windshield corner. Despite early findings, Ford initially closed the investigation, citing a low occurrence rate.

The company later reopened the case. It became clear water intrusion could happen faster than first thought. This compromise could affect the vehicle’s compliance with federal safety standards.

Impact and Next Steps for Mustang Owners

Ford is aware of 69 warranty claims and 17 field reports linked to this defect. The water leak can also cause lights to flicker or stay on after ignition-off. This parasitic drain will leave owners with a dead battery.

Dealers will inspect and properly seal the identified body seams. They will also check the body control module for corrosion and replace it if necessary. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed in early September.

A permanent repair is not immediately available. A fix is expected to be developed and ready for deployment in the first quarter of 2026. A second notification will be sent to owners once the remedy is available at dealerships.

This Ford Mustang recall highlights ongoing quality control challenges for the automaker. Owners of affected vehicles should wait for official communication and schedule a dealer inspection promptly upon receipt.

Info at your fingertips

Which Mustang models are included in this recall?

This recall specifically includes 2024 and 2025 Ford Mustang vehicles. The total number of cars affected is approximately 105,441 units sold in the United States.

What is the specific danger caused by this defect?

The primary danger is the failure of exterior lights, including taillights and side markers. This significantly increases the risk of a rear-end collision, as other drivers cannot see the vehicle properly.

What should I do if I own one of these Mustangs?

You should wait for an official recall notification letter from Ford, expected in September. This letter will provide instructions on how to schedule an inspection with your local dealership.

Is there a repair available right now?

No, a complete repair is not currently available. Ford anticipates having a permanent fix ready for dealerships in the first quarter of 2026. Owners will receive a second notice then.

Could this leak cause other electrical problems?

Yes. Beyond lighting failure, water intrusion can cause the battery to drain completely. This happens if the compromised module causes lights to remain on after the car is parked and turned off.