Front Splitter Damage

[bigbearvo]

I have been incredibly pleased so far with my 2024 Mach E GT, which I purchased in October 2024. Despite severe range limitations in the winter weather here in Ohio, everything else about the design, assembly and operation of the Mach E gets high marks from me. HOWEVER, I do have a major complaint about the front splitter. Due to the somewhat low ground clearance of the splitter, and its shiny top to bottom black finish, I have had several occasions where the splitters underside finish has been significantly damaged by several concrete parking curbs/barriers I’ve encountered in parking lots. As a result, I now make sure I’m a healthy distance away from these barriers as I park. Nevertheless, the damage to the underside of the splitter has resulted in a number of serious scratches and paint damage. While not visible, it remains an unnecessary nuisance when parking. I’m hoping Mach E designers will acknowledge this problem and modify the material used on the underside to something more durable, AND/OR installing a dedicated parking sensor that would alert the driver if the height of the curb is likely to make contact with the splitter and cause damage. Some higher parking curbs/barriers I’ve encountered lately could easily do severe visible damage to the structure of the splitter itself. Fortunately my first few encounters alerted me to be careful when parking so I’ve avoided worse damage. I know the splitter serves an aerodynamic purpose by improving the drag coefficient of the Mach E, and I’m happy the Ford designers have paid close attention to anything that improves performance. It is, after all, a Mustang, regardless of purists who may insist it is not. I take the view that the Mach E is a welcome addition to the Mustang family, and the designers have done an outstanding job of building an EV worthy of the nameplate. So, changes to the material used on the underside, and the addition of a parking sensor dedicated to approaching parking curbs/barriers would be a welcome change.

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[DeusEx]

When pulling up into a parking spot where there is a curb, concrete barrier, or any other obstacle, I press the camera to display the front facing camera and 360 view.

 

[GreaseMonkey]

When pulling up into a parking spot where there is a curb, concrete barrier, or any other obstacle, I press the camera to display the front facing camera and 360 view.

Yes, but it’s more difficult in the GTs. The black area on the camera is extensive and would lead you to park too far out. I had a premium before and the 360 cam was far more useful than on the GT I have now. So I fully empathize with the OP on this one.

@bigbearvo, the “front bumper valence panel” you damaged is easily removable and can be repainted by a body shop. I have the same issue with one unfortunate incident. But as much as I’m OCD, I have been successful in ignoring it since I know it can be fixed at a moment’s notice. Besides, there are many ugly aspects of our vehicles that we don’t worry about since we can’t see.

 

[bigbearvo]

Yes, but it’s more difficult in the GTs. The black area on the camera is extensive and would lead you to park too far out. I had a premium before and the 360 cam was far more useful than on the GT I have now. So I fully empathize with the OP on this one.

@bigbearvo, the “front bumper valence panel” you damaged is easily removable and can be repainted by a body shop. I have the same issue with one unfortunate incident. But as much as I’m OCD, I have been successful in ignoring it since I know it can be fixed at a moment’s notice. Besides, there are many ugly aspects of our vehicles that we don’t worry about since we can’t see.

Good to know it can removed and repainted easily. Thanks for that! I called the “front bumper valence panel” by its NASCAR name. From NASCAR’s website: Splitter: Runs the entire width of the car at the front… what the spoiler does for downforce in the back of the car, the splitter provides downforce to the front. Damage to the splitter can be difficult to overcome because of the important role it plays in the aerodynamics of the car.” But I like “front bumper valence panel.” Thanks for your help!

 

[Mach-Lee]

The front parking sensors will start to beep as you pull up to any significant curb that could scrape.

Not sure what to say, sporty cars have low splitters and you have to be careful when driving and parking not to scrape them. That's not anything unique to the Mach-E. If this is your first car with a low splitter, then there is a learning curve.

The non-GT models have slightly higher ground clearance and shorter splitters, those may be preferred for you.

 

[markboris]

Basically what Lee said above ^^^^

For comparison, the Mach-E GT has just over 7" of clearance under the front splitter, has front parking sensors and a camera. My 2020 ICE Mustang has just UNDER 4" of clearance under the front splitter, does not have parking sensors and didn't have a camera until I installed one just for this issue. Bottom line, anytime I pull up to a curb in either car, I turn on the camera to make sure I'm a safe distance away from it.

 

[LocoEngineer]

There is only one correct resolution to this issue, back in.

 

[AliRafiee]

The front parking sensors will start to beep as you pull up to any significant curb that could scrape.

Mine starts beeping and the camera comes on a foot before I get to the curb.

But I’ve been driving sport cars for the last 30 years, so I’ve learned to pull in slowly and basically how far I am from the curb when I park.

 

[steveg95]

When pulling up into a parking spot where there is a curb, concrete barrier, or any other obstacle, I press the camera to display the front facing camera and 360 view.

Absolutely do this. Some of the concrete barriers are too high.

 

[Tampamike]

I wouldn’t sweat it too much. Unless you smash it into the curb, it just scrapes the bottom of the splitter where you can’t really see it - normal wear and tear (not that I’ve ever done that).?

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