This deadly mistake: Is your Ford model on the list of 129,000 vehicles under investigation?
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In the exciting race toward self-driving technology, a serious reminder has surfaced that calls for our attention.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has ramped up its investigation into over 129,000 Ford vehicles, following tragic accidents linked to the company’s hands-free driving system.
Here at The GrayVine, we know how important it is to stay informed about the safety of the vehicles that carry us and our loved ones.
Let’s break down the details of this critical investigation and what it might mean for drivers like us across the country.
The NHTSA’s decision to move this investigation into an engineering analysis is a big deal. It’s the step just before the agency can demand a recall, showing how seriously they’re treating these issues.
This deeper probe comes after two devastating crashes last April, both involving Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles using BlueCruise. The investigation now includes 129,222 Ford and Lincoln vehicles from model years 2021 through 2024, showing just how determined the NHTSA is to prioritize safety.
BlueCruise is Ford’s step into semi-autonomous driving technology.
It allows drivers to go hands-free in certain conditions—mostly on major highways with no intersections or traffic lights, which make up 97% of highways in the US and Canada.
The system uses cameras to monitor whether the driver is paying attention while the car drives itself. BlueCruise debuted in the 2021 model year and is available in select Ford and Lincoln models.
While it’s designed to make driving more convenient, recent incidents have raised serious concerns about its reliability.
In both fatal crashes, Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles were traveling over 70 mph on highways at night with BlueCruise activated.
The vehicles collided with stationary objects, leading investigators to question the system’s ability to detect obstacles at high speeds in low-light conditions.
These incidents highlight the challenges of semi-autonomous technology and the need for drivers to remain alert—even when using advanced systems like BlueCruise.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also launched separate investigations into these accidents, underlining the gravity of the situation.
Ford’s Response and What’s Next
As of now, Ford hasn’t made a public statement about the investigation.
Drivers, especially those considering new vehicle purchases, are waiting to see how the company addresses these concerns.
For those of us who’ve embraced modern vehicle technology, this serves as a powerful reminder: staying informed is key. Whether you already own a Ford with BlueCruise or are shopping for your next car, it’s important to follow updates from the NHTSA.
At the end of the day, safety is what matters most—for you, your family, and everyone else on the road. Keep an eye on this investigation as it unfolds, and remember, no matter how advanced the technology, you are always your car’s best safety feature.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the issues surrounding Ford's BlueCruise technology? Do you have concerns about the safety of semi-autonomous driving systems? Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments below!
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has ramped up its investigation into over 129,000 Ford vehicles, following tragic accidents linked to the company’s hands-free driving system.
Here at The GrayVine, we know how important it is to stay informed about the safety of the vehicles that carry us and our loved ones.
Let’s break down the details of this critical investigation and what it might mean for drivers like us across the country.
Escalated investigation puts focus on Ford vehicles and their safety on the road. Image Source: Pexels / Julissa Helmuth.
Why the NHTSA Is Taking This Seriously
The NHTSA’s decision to move this investigation into an engineering analysis is a big deal. It’s the step just before the agency can demand a recall, showing how seriously they’re treating these issues.
This deeper probe comes after two devastating crashes last April, both involving Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles using BlueCruise. The investigation now includes 129,222 Ford and Lincoln vehicles from model years 2021 through 2024, showing just how determined the NHTSA is to prioritize safety.
What Is BlueCruise Technology?
BlueCruise is Ford’s step into semi-autonomous driving technology.
It allows drivers to go hands-free in certain conditions—mostly on major highways with no intersections or traffic lights, which make up 97% of highways in the US and Canada.
The system uses cameras to monitor whether the driver is paying attention while the car drives itself. BlueCruise debuted in the 2021 model year and is available in select Ford and Lincoln models.
While it’s designed to make driving more convenient, recent incidents have raised serious concerns about its reliability.
The Crashes That Sparked the Investigation
In both fatal crashes, Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles were traveling over 70 mph on highways at night with BlueCruise activated.
The vehicles collided with stationary objects, leading investigators to question the system’s ability to detect obstacles at high speeds in low-light conditions.
These incidents highlight the challenges of semi-autonomous technology and the need for drivers to remain alert—even when using advanced systems like BlueCruise.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also launched separate investigations into these accidents, underlining the gravity of the situation.
Ford’s Response and What’s Next
As of now, Ford hasn’t made a public statement about the investigation.
Drivers, especially those considering new vehicle purchases, are waiting to see how the company addresses these concerns.
For those of us who’ve embraced modern vehicle technology, this serves as a powerful reminder: staying informed is key. Whether you already own a Ford with BlueCruise or are shopping for your next car, it’s important to follow updates from the NHTSA.
At the end of the day, safety is what matters most—for you, your family, and everyone else on the road. Keep an eye on this investigation as it unfolds, and remember, no matter how advanced the technology, you are always your car’s best safety feature.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the issues surrounding Ford's BlueCruise technology? Do you have concerns about the safety of semi-autonomous driving systems? Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments below!
