Fatal Crashes Trigger Federal Investigation Into Ford BlueCruise Hands-Free Technology

NHTSA Launches Engineering Analysis Into Ford’s BlueCruise System After Deadly Accidents Linked to Stationary Vehicle Detection Failures

Ford’s hands-free driving technology, known as BlueCruise, is facing intensified federal scrutiny following two fatal crashes involving Mustang Mach-E vehicles. Both incidents occurred while the vehicles were operating in BlueCruise mode at high speeds and at night.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has escalated its investigation to an engineering analysis, a critical step that can lead to a formal recall if safety violations are confirmed. Regulators will examine not only the two crashes but also technical limitations in how the system detects stationary vehicles under certain conditions.

As new technology becomes more common on American roads, failures like these raise urgent concerns about the safety of semi-autonomous systems and the responsibility manufacturers have when their vehicles don’t respond as intended.

What Is Ford’s BlueCruise System?

Ford introduced BlueCruise in 2021 as part of its lineup of advanced driver-assistance technologies. The system allows for hands-free driving on pre-approved highways in the U.S. and Canada. It uses a combination of radar, cameras, GPS, and real-time driver monitoring to control speed, lane positioning, and distance from other vehicles.

Unlike fully autonomous systems, BlueCruise still requires driver attention. Cameras track the driver’s head and eye movements to ensure the driver is ready to take over if necessary. However, the driver can remove their hands from the wheel under certain conditions, as long as the system deems them attentive.

BlueCruise is only activated in specific geofenced areas and is part of the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety and automation features, which also includes lane-centering assist and adaptive cruise control.

The system is available on several Ford and Lincoln models, including the Mustang Mach-E, F-150, and Lincoln Nautilus.

Details Behind the Fatal Crashes Under Investigation

Two deadly crashes sparked the current investigation. Both involved 2021–2024 Mustang Mach-E vehicles that were using BlueCruise on highways at night while traveling at speeds over 70 mph.

In San Antonio, Texas, a Mach-E rear-ended a stationary Honda CR-V, killing a 56-year-old driver. In Philadelphia, another Mach-E crashed into two parked vehicles on a highway, resulting in two fatalities. In both cases:

• No braking or steering correction occurred before the crash.
• Pre-Collision Assist did not activate.
• BlueCruise did not decelerate or avoid impact.

Data collected from the event recorders showed the vehicles did not respond to the stationary objects, and the drivers took no last-second actions to avoid the collisions.

These accidents are not isolated. NHTSA has now identified at least four additional crashes where BlueCruise-equipped vehicles collided with stopped or slow-moving vehicles.

System Limitations That May Have Led to Crashes

According to documents released by NHTSA, Ford’s BlueCruise and its supporting technologies—including Adaptive Cruise Control and Pre-Collision Assist—have known limitations in detecting stationary vehicles at highway speeds.

Here’s what the investigation has revealed so far:

• Stationary Object Suppression: At speeds above 62 mph, the system ignores stationary objects to prevent false positives. This means the vehicle may not react at all if it detects a stopped car or obstacle ahead.
• Poor Nighttime Visibility: The cameras and radar systems may not perform well in low-light conditions, increasing the risk of missed detections during nighttime driving.
• Driver Inaction: In both fatal incidents, drivers did not apply the brakes or steer to avoid the crash. The system’s design assumes the driver will intervene, but BlueCruise gave no visual or audible alerts to prompt action.

These limitations are particularly dangerous when vehicles are moving at high speeds and the system is unable (or programmed not) to react.

What NHTSA’s Engineering Analysis Will Examine

NHTSA’s upgraded probe covers approximately 129,222 Mustang Mach-E vehicles from model years 2021 to 2024. This phase of the investigation will involve:

• Reviewing technical data and event logs from involved vehicles.
• Examining how the BlueCruise system interprets roadway conditions and stationary hazards.
• Testing driver responsiveness, especially when the system fails to act.
• Analyzing crash and near-miss reports beyond the fatal incidents already known.

The purpose of an engineering analysis is to determine whether a design flaw or systemic risk exists. If the findings confirm a widespread danger, NHTSA may move forward with a formal recall of affected vehicles or systems.

Broader Concerns Over Partial Driving Automation

Ford’s BlueCruise is not the only system under scrutiny. Semi-autonomous technologies from multiple automakers have been involved in fatal crashes in recent years.

These systems offer significant convenience but rely heavily on software, sensors, and driver attentiveness. Failures in any of these areas can result in serious consequences.

Partial automation introduces a dangerous paradox:

• Drivers may trust the system too much.
• The system expects the driver to stay alert at all times.

This mismatch has already led to preventable tragedies. While manufacturers warn that these are not fully autonomous systems, the marketing and convenience features may give users a false sense of security.

Legal Rights for Victims of BlueCruise Crashes

Families who lose loved ones—or individuals who suffer injuries—in accidents involving semi-autonomous vehicles may have legal claims against the manufacturer.

Potential legal theories include:

• Product Liability: If the system failed to perform as advertised or contained known risks that were not adequately addressed.
• Negligence: If Ford failed to warn consumers or implement proper safety protocols.
• Wrongful Death: For families of victims who died in crashes involving these systems.

Compensation in these cases may include:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Lost income and future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Punitive damages (in cases of willful misconduct)

Lawsuits can also bring attention to overlooked flaws in vehicle design and encourage changes that protect future drivers.

Ford BlueCruise Crash Lawsuit FAQs

1. What is the current status of the Ford BlueCruise investigation?  NHTSA has escalated the probe to an engineering analysis. This is the final phase before a potential recall. The investigation involves crashes, system behavior, and driver response to hazards.
2. What models are affected by this investigation?  The analysis currently covers 2021–2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with BlueCruise, but findings may affect other Ford or Lincoln vehicles with similar systems.
3. How did the crashes occur?  The crashes occurred at night when the BlueCruise system failed to detect stationary vehicles. Neither the drivers nor the system took action to prevent the impact.
4. Why didn’t the system stop the vehicle?  BlueCruise and Adaptive Cruise Control are designed to ignore stationary objects at speeds above 62 mph due to concerns over false positives. This design may have contributed to the collisions.
5. Who is legally responsible when a driver uses BlueCruise?  If a system defect or limitation causes a crash, Ford may be held liable. Legal claims may also focus on whether Ford adequately warned drivers about known risks.
6. Can I sue Ford if I was injured in a crash while using BlueCruise?  Yes. If the system failed and you were injured as a result, you may be entitled to file a product liability or negligence lawsuit against Ford.
7. What compensation is available in these cases?  Victims may recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, long-term care, emotional distress, and more. Families of those who died may file wrongful death claims.
8. Do I need to act quickly?  Yes. States have specific statutes of limitations for personal injury and product liability claims. Legal consultation as soon as possible is strongly advised.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or someone you love was involved in a crash while using Ford’s BlueCruise system, you may be entitled to significant compensation. These incidents can cause permanent injuries or lead to tragic fatalities, and victims deserve answers and accountability.

Parker Waichman LLP is a national product injury law firm with extensive experience holding major manufacturers accountable for unsafe technology and corporate negligence. Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.