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How long does a Ford Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning EV battery pack last?
The Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning are both covered under Ford’s electric vehicle component warranty for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
This warranty guarantees a minimum of 70% original high-voltage battery capacity retention throughout the coverage period. It covers defects in materials and workmanship, ensuring that issues like battery degradation or premature failure are addressed.
There aren’t any Mustang Mach-Es or F-150 Lightnings with 100,000 miles on them, so we don’t know how long they will last in the real world.
What we do know is that there have been issues with the battery pack on some models.
A Ford dealer, White Face Ford in Hereford, Texas, says they’ve had their first issue with a 2024 Mustang Mach-E.
Jon Galland, the dealer principal and Ford franchise owner, is open about what’s going on at his dealership. He talks about the dealer’s first EV issue.
He says, Okay, so we have a Mustang Mach-E, and it has a battery failure on this thing.” We’ve sold a lot of these electric Mustangs, and this is the first one we’ve had to work on its battery.
So far, these vehicles have been remarkably reliable. All we’ve done is do some software updates on them.
This will be the first mechanical type repair on a new Ford EV.
The battery pack is so heavy that it requires two sets of lifts.
So, we’ve got two sets of lifts here, one with double mobile columns for extra support. We have two regular lift posts with adaptors, allowing us to drop the battery out from under the car.
This Mustang Mach-E battery measures approximately four feet in width and seven feet in length, weighing over 1,300 lbs.
To fix the car, we use the two posts to lower it. However, we’re currently waiting because the vehicle, which is 460 Volts, is fully charged, and its discharge feature isn’t working.
They have to call Ford tech support for answers.
We are currently waiting for engineering to guide the discharging of this battery, which will enable my techs to remove it safely.
We aren’t electricians here, and this will be our first time doing this. So, we’re on a steep learning curve.
As I mentioned, the battery pack in this Ford Mustang Mach-E weighs over 1,300 pounds. Its size and weight make it a significant challenge to handle and repair, requiring specialized equipment and a careful approach.
The Ford F-150 Lightning’s extended-range battery pack weighs even more, at approximately 1,781 pounds. This is a substantial amount, roughly equivalent to the weight of a Volkswagen Beetle, according to CarBuzz.
How much does it cost to replace a Ford Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning battery?
Jon says, It comes with a 10-year warranty, and if you ever have to replace it outside of the new vehicle warranty, depending on what kilowatt hour battery pack you have, this thing could be a significant $25,000 to $40,000 to replace.
So, just like an engine replacement, it’s going to be expensive. These battery packs are just as costly to replace.
This high cost of replacement could potentially impact the resale value of the vehicle, a factor that potential buyers should consider.
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Have there been other issues with Ford’s EV battery packs prematurely failing?
Some Mach-E owners have reported problems with the 12-volt battery leading to the vehicle not starting, and also issues with the high-voltage battery contactors overheating during fast charging or aggressive driving. For the F-150 Lightning, Ford has issued recalls due to a manufacturing defect in the high-voltage battery cells that can cause an internal short circuit. There have also been reports of premature battery failures and reduced range after repairs.
Ford Mustang Mach-E:
12-volt Battery Issues:
Some early Mach-E models have experienced problems with the 12-volt battery, which can lead to the vehicle being unable to start or function. This issue has been linked to a phantom battery drain that can deplete the 12-volt battery. High-Voltage Battery Contactor Issues:
A recall was issued for the Mach-E due to a potential overheating issue with the high-voltage battery contactors, which can cause the vehicle to lose propulsion power while driving. Reduced Range:
Some owners have reported a reduced range after battery repairs or module replacements, even when the vehicle otherwise functions as designed. General Battery Degradation:
Mach-E batteries, like any EV battery, can experience degradation over time due to factors like weather, driving habits, and charging practices.
Ford F-150 Lightning:
High-Voltage Battery Cell Defect: Ford has recalled some F-150 Lightnings due to a manufacturing defect in the high-voltage battery cells that can lead to an internal short circuit. Premature Battery Failure: There have been reports of premature battery failures in the F-150 Lightning, with some owners experiencing complete battery failure after a relatively short period of use.
Battery Module Issues: Some early-build F-150 Lightnings have experienced battery module malfunctions, which can lead to a gradual reduction in power and eventual inability to drive.
Does the Ford F-150 Lightning have a recall?
A Reddit thread reports that Ford has recalled some 2022-2024 F150 Lightnings due to a battery defect, advising owners to charge them to 80% only until the vehicles are repaired.
The NHTSA says,” Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 F-150 Lightning battery electric vehicles. A manufacturing defect in the high-voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit.”
“Owners are advised to only charge their vehicles to a maximum of 80% battery capacity until the repair has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery array as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25S18.”
Conclusion:
Replacing a high-voltage battery in a Ford Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning is a significant undertaking, as dealership insights confirm. It’s not only a financially demanding repair, with costs potentially running into tens of thousands of dollars, but it also presents a considerable learning curve for technicians.
The specialized equipment, safety protocols for handling high-voltage components, and the sheer weight and complexity of these battery packs necessitate extensive training and dedicated infrastructure.
While Ford’s modular battery design for the F-150 Lightning offers some flexibility by allowing individual module replacement, a whole pack swap remains a substantial expense, often mitigated only by warranty coverage, which typically lasts 8 years or 100,000 miles for these EV components.
As the EV market matures and more of these vehicles reach the end of their battery lifespan, the industry will undoubtedly continue to evolve its solutions for efficient and cost-effective battery servicing, driven by advancements in technology, recycling, and potentially more accessible repair options beyond the initial dealership network.
How About You?
Do you own a Ford Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning? Are you concerned about long-term battery issues? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
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Check out my Ford F-150 Lightning story: Ford Pays Its Dealers Up To $22,500 To Move Out The Slow-Selling F-150 Lightning, It’s An Unprecedented Time For Truck Shoppers
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via White Face Ford
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Source: torquenews.com
