The Ford Mustang Mach-E is battling some serious reliability issues. The Mach-E electric SUV is one of the most popular American EVs. Its appeal may be dwindling because of some of the controversy surrounding it. Is the Mach-E becoming the new Chevy Bolt?

Is the Ford Mustang Mach-E the new Chevy Bolt?

What does it mean to be “the new Chevy Bolt?” For those who aren’t familiar, the Chevy Bolt electric hatchback was part of one of the largest electric vehicle recalls in history. The Bolt debuted back in 2016 as a 2017 model year. Critics and experts alike enjoyed the electric car and believed it could potentially lead GM into the electric future.

A few years later, the Bolt nameplate is practically synonymous with controversy. Reports trickled in about Bolt batteries overheating. In 2021, Bolt reliability issues reached a climax after some models caught fire from overheating and became a risk to their owners. General Motors was forced to recall every Bolt that the automaker had produced.

NBC News claims that the Bolt battery fire recall cost GM $2 billion dollars. LG is reimbursing General Motors, but the damage to the American automaker’s reputation in the EV space is already done. GM refuses to give up on the Bolt nameplate thus far, but will consumers ever look at the electric car the same way again?

The Ford Mustang Mach-E hasn’t experienced anything as serious as battery fires yet, but its recent recall is troubling. Ford has instructed dealers not to sell the Mach-E until the automaker recalls the electric SUV. Over 48,000 Ford Mustang Mach-E models are being recalled.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E isn’t in Chevy Bolt territory yet

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is being recalled, but its recall is nowhere near as drastic as the Chevy Bolt recall yet. Mach-E models could potentially become immobile or accelerate and decelerate against the driver’s will.

The Mach-E’s reputation may take a hit, but the Blue Oval could bounce back quickly depending on how long the automaker takes to fix the software bug. Some automotive publications are claiming that Mach-E drivers can receive the software patch through a WiFi connection at home using over-the-air updates. The Mach-E isn’t as controversial as the Chevy Bolt, but the next few months could make or break the nameplate.

Is the Ford Mustang Mach-E still desirable?

The Mach-E was the best electric SUV of 2021 based on numerous reviews and awards. The Mustang SUV made electric vehicles exciting for many Americans.

Recent issues will make some drivers apprehensive about purchasing the Blue Oval’s first electric SUV. It’s way too early to close the curtain on the Mach-E, but Ford will have to do some major damage control if it wants the electric SUV back on top of its vehicle segment anytime soon. The competition won’t get any more forgiving.

Read more about the exciting electrified Mustang Mach-E in the next article below.