Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Monday that it has launched an investigation into Ford Motor Company’s BlueCruise driver-assisted technology after multiple fatalities have been linked to its use. This move comes after two fatal crashes in 2024, one in San Antonio, Texas, and the other in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, prompted the NHTSA to take action.
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation initiated a Preliminary Evaluation into the Ford BlueCruise system equipped on certain vehicles. The investigation will assess the system’s performance of the dynamic driving task and driver monitoring, aiming to determine any potential defects or issues with the technology.
Ford reported that they are collaborating with the NHTSA to assist in the investigation. BlueCruise, introduced by Ford in 2021, offers a hands-free driving experience on pre-mapped highways and other roads, providing convenience and ease for drivers. The technology is available in select Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
The NHTSA’s investigation has focused on Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with the Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 software produced between 2021 and 2024. These vehicles were involved in the fatal crashes that prompted the agency’s attention. The incidents involved the vehicles colliding with stationary objects, leading to fatalities in both cases.
Ford CEO Jim Farley previously praised BlueCruise as a profitable venture for the company, highlighting its success and growth in the market. He emphasized the technology’s positive reception and its contributions to the company’s financial performance.
In recent months, the NHTSA has been actively investigating various automakers and their technologies to ensure safety standards are met. From probing Tesla’s Autopilot features to addressing Ford’s recalls for potential safety hazards, the agency remains vigilant in safeguarding the public on the roads.
The NHTSA’s scrutiny of Ford’s BlueCruise technology underscores the agency’s commitment to investigating potential safety concerns and ensuring that driver-assisted technologies meet the necessary standards to protect motorists and passengers. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the developments and outcomes to assess the impact on Ford and the broader automotive industry.