The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Ford's BlueCruise, the advanced driver assistance system in the Mustang Mach E electric vehicles. This inquiry comes on the heels of two fatal accidents involving Mustang Mach E cars equipped with BlueCruise, both of which occurred under similar circumstances, crashing into stationary vehicles. The incidents have raised concerns over the self-driving technology's ability to detect stationary objects, particularly at long distances, speeds exceeding 62 miles per hour, and in low visibility conditions.
Ford introduced BlueCruise's version 1.4 in 2024, enhancing its capabilities with automatic lane-changing and extending the hands-free mode for drivers. The latest advancements in BlueCruise also include a 'motion controller' technology, allowing drivers to regain control of the vehicle more efficiently than before. Despite these improvements, the recent accidents have put the spotlight on potential shortcomings of the self-driving feature, prompting the NHTSA to delve deeper into the matter.
The NHTSA aims to thoroughly evaluate the BlueCruise technology, reviewing vehicle evaluations and additional technological information provided by Ford. The investigation will also encompass an analysis of related crashes and non-crash reports associated with the self-driving feature. The agency seeks to determine whether BlueCruise is at fault for failing to detect stationary objects under specific conditions, thus posing potential risks to drivers and passengers.
Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, recently stated that the company is nearing Level 3 Autonomy, highlighting Ford's ongoing commitment to advancing its self-driving technology. However, the recent controversies surrounding BlueCruise have cast a shadow over these developments. With 129,222 Ford Mustang Mach E vehicles currently equipped with BlueCruise, the outcome of this investigation holds significant implications for both Ford and its customers.
