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Beginning this fall when its next-generation BlueCruise 1.2 active driver assist rolls out, Ford is introducing three new features, including hands-free lane changes. The American automaker says it has bolstered its Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) team to improve BlueCruise and ActiveGuide for Ford and Lincoln drivers. That being said, current drivers will have to wait to experience these new hands-free features.

Ford Motor Company first shared details of its BlueCruise hands-free driver assist system in April of 2021, when it debuted on the Mustang Mach-E . At the time, Ford compared BlueCruise to Tesla’s Autopilot, stating the following:

BlueCruise is an SAE Level 2 driver-assist technology, similar to Tesla Autopilot but with the advantage of offering a true hands-free driving experience while in Hands-Free Mode that does not require a driver’s hands to stay in contact with the steering wheel, unless prompted by vehicle alerts. And unlike other approaches – such as GM’s Super Cruise, which uses red and green lighting, or Tesla’s Autopilot, which requires a driver keep their hands on the steering wheel – BlueCruise communicates with drivers in different ways. The instrument cluster transitions to communicate that the feature is in Hands-Free mode through text and blue lighting cues, effective even for those with color blindness.

As we pointed out at that time, its rare for an automaker to directly call out not just one, but two competitors in a press release, especially fellow American businesses. But “all’s fair in love and war,” and Ford is definitely ready for a battle against those two for the EV sales crown this decade.

Ford said BlueCruise would be coming to the Mustang Mach-E, followed by the Ford F-150 Lightning , via over-the-air update. Now, Ford has announced a new and improved driver assist, but it appears only 2023 Mustang Mach-E owners will get to experience it, at least to start. Check out Ford’s BlueCruise latest video below.

Ford introduces BlueCruise 1.2 on 2023 Mustang Mach-E

According to a press release from Ford, BlueCruise 1.2 will arrive this fall alongside ActiveGlide 1.2 for Lincoln owners. Ford says that over 75,000 drivers have combined for over 16 million miles of hands-free driving to date and that its team has been working to improve the driver-assist technology to deliver a more human-like feel when active.

Doug Field, chief EV and digital systems officer for Ford Model e, spoke to the latest improvements:

We are investing in our ADAS team to constantly improve BlueCruise and ActiveGlide for our customers. The latest improvements allow customers to command lane changes using just a turn signal, and make hands-free driving feel more human-like by smoothly slowing down for turns, and giving more room to large vehicles in neighboring lanes. These improvements are just the beginning of a constant journey toward improving safety and, in the future, giving customers valuable time back.

According to the release, Ford’s BlueCruise 1.2 will include three new hands-free features:

• Lane change assist : The system will perform a hands-free lane change when the driver taps the turn signal and will even suggest when a lane change may be beneficial due to slow-moving traffic
• Predictive speed assist : BlueCruise automatically and smoothly adjusts the speed as drivers approach a sharp curve and will help alert the driver beforehand that a speed change is about to occur
• In-lane repositioning : Helps hands-free highway driving feel more natural by keeping the vehicle in its lane while subtly shifting its position away from vehicles in adjacent lanes, especially large semi trucks

Ford says its dedicated ADAS team has also been continually improving maps with over-the-air updates to identify prequalified sections of highways where BlueCruise can be used. Those roads currently span over 130,000 miles.

Ford states that BlueCruise 1.2 will roll out in 2023 Mustang Mach-Es directly off the assembly line, but any previous owners of other Ford vehicles (2022 Mach-E owners included), are going to have to wait.

We asked Ford if any other vehicles would be able to access the latest BlueCruise features via an OTA update, and we were told not yet. A Ford representative said the company will share more information about Ford Power-Up and Lincoln Enhance software updates at a later date.

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Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports. Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at [email protected]

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Ford BlueCruise * Frequently Asked Questions

BlueCruise allows for true hands-free driving on 97% of controlled access highways in the U.S. and Canada in areas known as Blue Zones.

Learn answers to these frequently asked questions (FAQs) about BlueCruise below. For additional frequently asked questions, visit the BlueCruise homepage .

Select a link below to be taken to a specific section of the FAQs:

BlueCruise Software and Map Updates BlueCruise Troubleshooting BlueCruise Data Privacy

BlueCruise Software and Map Updates

Select from the drop-down options below to learn more.

How do I get the latest BlueCruise software updates and maps? 

Turn on automatic software updates and set a recurring update schedule, both of which can be done on your in-vehicle screen under Settings > Software Updates . Setting a recurring schedule is especially important for receiving non-drivable updates like new BlueCruise versions. For help, visit our article on how to set a schedule .

It is recommended that you connect your vehicle to a Wi-Fi network , where available, for faster software updates.  

BlueCruise Troubleshooting

Why is bluecruise not working.

To use Ford BlueCruise, you need to activate your FordPass ®** Connect modem and have your Vehicle Connectivity Settings set to On. If your vehicle is eligible for a complimentary trial, BlueCruise will automatically be available once your modem is activated and you have accepted the terms and conditions.  

If you have Ford BlueCruise 1.2 and In-Lane Repositioning or Lane Change Assist are not working, make sure the latest features are set to On by heading over to your in-vehicle screen and selecting Features > Driver Assistance > Adaptive Cruise Control , then toggle On In-Lane Repositioning and Lane Change Assist.

If you continue to experience issues, please let us help. Contact us at 1-800-392-3673 . If you prefer, you can also chat with us .

Why do I sometimes get “Watch the road” warnings even though I am watching the road? 

This warning pops up when the driver-facing camera is having difficulty detecting your eyes. This can happen if you look away for too long, if your seat and/or steering wheel are set in a combination where the camera cannot see you or if bright sunlight causes your eyes to squint.  For squinting, try using the sun visor, and/or closing the moonroof shade or wearing sunglasses. 

Ford BlueCruise works with most,  but not all, sunglasses, and it can also recognize your face when wearing face coverings such as masks or religious clothing. However, wearing both sunglasses and facial coverings may obscure too much of your face and make it difficult for the cameras to work properly. † 

Remember that this is a driver-assist feature. You will need to watch the road and be ready to take control at all times. 

BlueCruise Data Privacy

Software like Ford BlueCruise utilizes input from many data sources. So, you will probably want to know how your data is being used. Know that you are in control of your data. For more details, you have come to the right place.  

Looking for general BlueCruise information? We have your general BlueCruise answers here .

What is Ford's position on the collection of data from my vehicle?

Ford believes in transparency, helping protect your privacy, and obtaining appropriate consent in the collection and use of all your data.

Do Ford vehicles wirelessly transmit speed or location information back to Ford or to anyone else?

Yes. Ford can receive speed and location data from connected vehicles if you provide appropriate consent.

How do Ford technologies wirelessly transmit data?

Ford vehicles can wirelessly transmit data in various ways, depending on the feature or service. Those ways include Wi-Fi, embedded cellular modem, and wired or plugged-in cellular devices.

What types of information can be collected?

• Onboard vehicle data
• Data derived from physical access to the vehicle, such as service history
• SYNC ®†† and wireless software updates data 

Is Ford concerned that law enforcement agencies could retrieve stored data and violate a person’s privacy?

Ford is committed to helping protect our customers’ privacy. If Ford does not have the customer’s data, we would require consent from the owner of the vehicle to provide data based on sufficient legal authority, such as a valid subpoena, court order, or law enforcement warrant.

For additional information on BlueCruise visit the BlueCruise page on the Ford website .

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Additional Information

What is BlueCruise? What are software updates? How do I change my SYNC Connectivity settings? How do I enable and turn on BlueCruise?

* Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving feature. Only remove your hands from the steering wheel when in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control of the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. Requires purchased 3‑year connected service plan with regular map updates, FordPass® App, and modem activation.

** FordPass Connect, (optional on select vehicles), [SYNC Connect for 2017/2018 model year vehicles)] [, the FordPass App.,] and FordPass Connect Service are required for remote features (see FordPass Terms for details). Connected Service is now complimentary for remote features excluding Wi-Fi hotspots. Connected service and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent the operation of connected features.

† Some types of glasses and sunglasses may interfere with the operation of the driver-facing camera.

†† Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.

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Blue Cruise updates

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Has anyone received the blue cruise update to allow automatic lane changes? If so, what is the Power-up number? My latest was 6.1.0, and said prepping for mor sophisticated updates in the future.  

No one has.  

BlueCruise 1.3 does not automatically change lanes. If the lane is open, and the driver taps the turn signal, then BlueCruise will perform the lane change. If the car in front is slow and the next lane is open, BlueCruise will suggest changing lanes, but it is still up to the driver to decide whether to initiate the lane change.  

Where does Dianizer get their info?  

Wondering to bought car a year ago and have had no up dates to blue cruise. Called Ford they said when I got update it would be 1.2 and 1.3 combined. Trouble is no one seems to know when,car came with three year subscription to blue cruise been a year it is hands free but no lane change or move over.  

Very disappointed the update to Blue Cruise has not rolled out yet. Ford indicated it would be available by the end of the Summer, early Fall. Well, it is winter and no update.  

My feelings exactly bought our Mach E in Nov 22 and still have no updates and no one seems to know when it will happen our trial period is good until Nov 25 but has been a year and still no 1.2 or 1.3 soon?  

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Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free system under investigation after fatal crashes

Federal safety regulators have opened an investigation into Ford’s hands-free driver-assistance system, BlueCruise, after it was found to be active during two recent crashes  that killed multiple people.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) said on Monday that it has confirmed BlueCruise was active in both crashes. One of the crashes happened in February in Texas, and the other occurred in early April in Pennsylvania. They are the first known fatalities resulting from crashes involving the use of BlueCruise.

The investigation into the two crashes ratchets up the scrutiny on BlueCruise, which is currently available on the Mustang Mach-E, and certain Ford F-150s (including the Lightning), Explorers and Expeditions. The National Transportation Safety Board has already opened an investigation into the Texas crash. Ford said in a statement that it is “working with NHTSA to support its investigation.”

The new probe comes just days after ODI closed its most high-profile driver-assistance investigation to date . The safety agency initially opened an investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot in 2021 after multiple reports of Teslas crashing into stationary emergency vehicles while the drivers were using Autopilot. In closing the investigation, the ODI said last week that it determined a “critical safety gap between drivers’ expectations of [Autopilot’s] operating capabilities and the system’s true capabilities” created “foreseeable misuse and avoidable crashes.”

Ford announced BlueCruise in 2021. It is only available on pre-mapped highways, and Ford pairs it with a camera-based driver monitoring system that checks whether drivers’ eyes are still on the road when the system is active. Those represent much tighter constraints on the system than Tesla puts on the use of Autopilot.

Still, while BlueCruise is highly rated by some, including Consumer Reports , the recent crashes and resulting investigations suggest there may be a more fundamental problem with advanced driver-assistance systems than some of these companies are willing to admit.

Note: This story has been updated to include a response from Ford.

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Each incident involves a ford mustang mach-e all-electric suv failing to detect and stop before impacting another vehicle..

T he National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has opened a preliminary investigation into Ford's BlueCruise driver assistance system after the U.S. government agency learned of at least two fatal crashes with the system reportedly active. The new investigation will evaluate whether a broader look and potential recall of Ford's system will be necessary; it follows an investigation opened by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Here's what we know so far.

NHTSA has reported three fatalities from two separate incidents, each involving a Ford Mustang Mach-E all-electric SUV with BlueCruise engaged allegedly failing to detect and stop before an impact with another stopped vehicle in the roadway. Both incidents also took place at night, when system visibility conditions are likely worse. The first reported crash took place in Texas in February, with another incident in Pennsylvania earlier this month.

The new preliminary investigation will reportedly only look at the Mustang Mach-E all-electric SUV's BlueCruise system, according to documents reported on via CarScoops , despite BlueCruise being offered on other Ford and Lincoln models. NHTSA will determine BlueCruise's ability to accurately measure and respond to the road environment, and scrutinize the functionality of the driver monitoring system. BlueCruise is designed as a Level 2 driver assistance system that allows the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel for extended periods, so long as the driver remains focused on the road ahead. A driver monitoring camera and steering sensors are supposed to ensure driver engagement, which NHTSA now alleges may not do enough, at least on the Ford Mustang Mach-E model.

Ford said in a statement that it is “working with NHTSA to support its investigation” via TechCrunch . NHTSA also recently announced a fresh investigation into Tesla's similar Autopilot and Autosteer driver assistance functionality, which may not go far enough in ensuring driver engagement and monitoring of the road ahead after a recent recall.

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