The 2024 Ford Mustang has recently come under scrutiny due to a low voltage problem affecting the Remote Cluster Box (RCB). This issue can result in significant communication disruptions and software initialization problems that prevent the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) from functioning as intended. Here’s a breakdown of the problem and the potential risks.
The low voltage events impacting the 2024 Mustang can lead to the IPC failing to illuminate during vehicle startup or a drive cycle. When this occurs, the IPC goes completely dark, leaving the driver without crucial information, such as telltales and gauges. These elements are essential for the safe operation of the vehicle and are regulated under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), including:
- FMVSS 101: Controls and displays
- FMVSS 102: Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect
- FMVSS 108, 126, 135, 138, and 208: Additional standards related to lighting, electronic stability control, braking, tire pressure, and occupant protection
The malfunctioning IPC means safety-related telltales and gauges, like those for speed, fuel level, or warning indicators, become unreadable. This significantly raises the risk of a crash, as the driver cannot access critical safety information.
Problem Chronology
The timeline of events provides insight into how Ford discovered and began addressing the issue:
- August 20, 2024: The Flat Rock Assembly Plant’s Plant Vehicle Team (PVT) identified the IPC illumination problem during an analysis of warranty claims. The issue was escalated to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) for a thorough review.
- August to October 2024: The CCRG conducted an extensive warranty claims analysis, examining whether similar problems affected other Ford vehicle lines using the same type of IPC. Fortunately, no other models showed the same failure.
- June 11 to October 7, 2024: Ford identified 58 warranty claims related to this issue in Mustang vehicles. Notably, there were no Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reported for this condition.
- October 18, 2024: The concern was presented to Ford’s Field Review Committee, which approved a field action to address the defect.
Although Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries linked to the low voltage problem, the malfunction poses a significant safety risk. A non-illuminated IPC can make it impossible for drivers to monitor vital vehicle functions, potentially leading to hazardous situations on the road. The inability to see essential gauges or receive visual warnings compromises the driver’s ability to respond appropriately to changing vehicle conditions.
Ford dealers will update the IPC software to ensure the cluster functions correctly, eliminating the risk of low voltage events causing display failures.
- Owner Notifications: Ford plans to mail notification letters to affected Mustang owners starting November 11, 2024.
- Recall Information: The recall is identified by Ford as 24C35 and registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under campaign number 24V-802.
If you own a 2024 Ford Mustang, it is crucial to stay informed about this recall and ensure your vehicle receives the necessary software update. This simple fix will help keep your Mustang safe and compliant with federal safety regulations.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) US have decided that there is a safety related problem affecting certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The recall was prompted by an issue that could cause the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to fail, leading to a blank display. This defect may occur due to an internal short circuit, which could compromise the instrument panel’s functionality and cause the vehicle to fall out of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, which governs controls and displays in vehicles.