Is the Mach-E steel or aluminum?

The Mustang Mach-E uses a mixed-material construction rather than being made entirely of steel or aluminum. In short, Ford primarily relies on high-strength steel for the body structure, with aluminum panels used in key areas to save weight and improve efficiency.

Materials in the Mach-E: steel and aluminum

The body of the Mach-E is built to balance safety and weight, leveraging a steel-dominant unibody alongside aluminum components to reduce mass where it matters most for efficiency and range.

What areas use steel versus aluminum in the Mach-E

• Body structure: The core unibody relies on high-strength steel to provide rigidity and crash protection.


• Exterior panels: Aluminum is used for certain panels in many trims (notably the hood and liftgate) to subtract weight and improve range; some trims may also feature aluminum front fenders.

In practice, this mixed-material approach means the Mach-E isn’t uniformly steel or aluminum. The exact material mix can vary by model year and trim level as Ford updates manufacturing choices to optimize efficiency, safety, and cost.

Why mixed materials matter for owners

The combination of steel and aluminum affects performance, handling, and maintenance. Steel provides strength and rigidity, while aluminum helps reduce unsprung mass and improve efficiency. For owners, this can influence repair procedures and parts availability, since mixed-material bodies may require different repair techniques and tools compared to all-steel constructions.

Implications for maintenance and repair

With a mixed-material body, maintenance and repair professionals may handle aluminum panels differently than steel panels. Aluminum components can require different fasteners, adhesives, and paint processes. As with any modern vehicle, it’s wise to use accredited body shops with experience working on mixed-material Ford models to ensure proper fabrication and corrosion protection.

Variations by year and trim

Ford has described the Mach-E as built on a mixed-material architecture, and the exact panel makeup can shift with model-year updates and different trim packages. While aluminum hood and liftgate are common in many configurations, there isn’t a single universal specification that applies to every Mach-E built across all markets and years.

Bottom line for readers

Yes, the Mach-E uses aluminum for certain components, but it is not an all-aluminum vehicle. The overall structure is steel-dominant with carefully chosen aluminum panels to save weight and boost efficiency. The precise mix can vary by year and trim, so buyers should check the specific configuration for the exact model they’re considering.

Summary

The Mustang Mach-E employs a mixed-material construction: a steel-heavy unibody with aluminum body panels on select parts to improve efficiency. This approach balances strength and safety with weight savings, and the exact materials can vary by model year and trim. For prospective buyers, it’s worth confirming the material details for the specific configuration you’re interested in.

What is the downside of Mach-E?

The "cons" of the Mustang Mach-E are its firm ride, limited voice command functionality, and potential software/hardware issues, though many hardware problems were resolved in later models. Other drawbacks include a cold-weather range reduction, a lack of some luxury features, and concerns over the brand's use of the "Mustang" name for this vehicle.
 
This video discusses common issues with the Ford Mustang Mach-E: 59sThe Miles DrivenYouTube · Apr 30, 2025
Performance and handling

• Firm ride: The suspension is tuned for sportiness, leading to a firm ride that some find uncomfortable, especially on bumpy roads. 
• Firm ride on bumpy roads: The ride can be bouncy on rough roads, which may not be ideal for a family vehicle. 
• Cold weather range loss: The lack of a heat pump results in a significant reduction in range during winter. 

Technology and interior

• Limited voice commands: Voice commands have very limited functionality, primarily for changing stations and adjusting temperature, requiring users to navigate menus for other tasks. 
• Lack of physical buttons: There are few physical buttons, which some owners find inconvenient for frequently used functions like the trunk. 
• Basic interior: The interior can feel spartan for a vehicle in its price range, with a lot of plastic and a lack of ventilated seats. 
• Software issues: Some early models experienced software glitches, such as charging cutoffs not working as programmed. These issues were often resolved through over-the-air (OTA) updates or dealer diagnostics. 
• Inconvenient trunk release: Opening the trunk can require navigating a menu on the touchscreen, which some find cumbersome. 
• Finicky phone-as-key: The phone-as-key feature can be unreliable and has stopped working for some users after app updates. 
• Limited instrument cluster: The instrument panel lacks the ability to display basic information like tire pressure or detailed efficiency data. 

Other

• Charging port location: Some users find the location of the charging port to be inconvenient. 
• Rear rotor issue: Some 2021 vehicles experienced an issue where the rear rotors would score themselves if the car wasn't driven frequently enough. 
• Inconsistent OTA updates: While OTA updates fix some issues, they can also sometimes change settings, requiring users to re-configure them. 
• Ford's use of "Mustang" name: Enthusiasts of the traditional Mustang model may find the use of the name for this crossover bothersome. 
• Limited off-road capability: The car has limited ground clearance and lacks off-road modes, making it difficult to navigate challenging terrain. 

You can watch this video to learn about the pros and cons of the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT: 1mDiscerning CarsYouTube · Aug 25, 2024

What is the Mach-E classified as?

crossover SUV
The Mustang Mach-E is classified as a crossover SUV, which essentially combines the best of both worlds. It rides on a unibody platform (like a crossover) but has the size, higher stance, and versatility commonly associated with SUVs.

Why is Ford discontinuing Mach-E?

The Ford Mustang Mach-E isn't selling well due to a combination of issues, including a recent stop-sale order caused by a software defect that can trap occupants, previous recalls for safety-related problems, and broader market factors like intense competition and a high price point. While Ford has tried to boost sales with discounts, the vehicle still faces slow sales compared to its competitors and the industry average, notes CarBuzz.
 
Immediate and recent issues

• Stop-sale order: In June 2025, Ford halted sales of the Mach-E because a software defect could cause the doors to malfunction, potentially trapping occupants inside or outside the vehicle. 
• Recalls: The Mach-E has been the subject of multiple recalls for various issues, including a potential for the vehicle to not start or lose power, improper seat belt attachments, and loose subframe bolts. 

Broader market factors

• Competition: The Mach-E faces stiff competition, particularly from the Tesla Model Y, which is often seen as a more affordable and popular alternative. 
• Pricing: The Mach-E's higher price point, even with discounts, makes it a harder sell than some competitors. 
• Depreciation: EVs, in general, tend to depreciate faster than internal combustion engine vehicles, which can deter potential buyers. 
• Market slowdown: The entire new car market has experienced a slowdown, with even the Mach-E's slower-than-average sales pace contributing to dealer inventory challenges. 

Is the Mach-E made of aluminum?

Um this is a steel car uh the sheet metal this is aluminum. Our front reinforcement bars cast aluminum. These are all Boldon pieces but if we look at the primary structure of the car the frame rail.