Ford is facing one of the largest recalls in history over a problem that has plagued nearly all of the automakers. A software problem can cause the rearview camera to freeze or go blank while the vehicle is in reverse. The camera’s failure raises the risk of a possible crash and injuries. According to paperwork filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford does not yet have a fix for the issue but says it should soon be able to update the software to correct the malfunction. Ford is recalling a total of 1,075,299 vehicles. More than half, 527,371 are 2021-2024 F-150s, Ford’s most popular vehicle. 104,394 of Ford’s hot-selling 2021-2024 Bronco SUVs are affected.
What is Causing the Problem
According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, the center infotainment screen may freeze followed by a black screen and a system reboot. If this occurs during a backing event, the rear-view image may be frozen, missing, or delayed. A frozen rear-view camera display image while in reverse can create a false representation of where the vehicle is relative to its surroundings, increasing the risk of a crash.
In January, NHTSA informed Ford about more than three dozen complaints it had received about the rearview camera issue. A Ford investigative team identified a total of 232 warranty claims about the faulty cameras. A Ford engineering team traced the problem to a specific version of software. “Ford is aware of one allegation of a minor crash resulting in property damage. Ford is not aware of any injuries related to this concern.”
Ford Vehicles Beings Recalled:
- 2021-2024 F-150
- 2023-2024 F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600
- 2021-2024 Bronco
- 2021-2024 Edge
- 2023-2024 Escape
- 2022-2024 Expedition
- 2022-2025 Transit
- 2021-2023 Mach-E
- 2024 Ranger
- 2024 Mustang
Lincoln Vehicles Being Recalled
- 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus
- 2022-2024 Navigator
- 2023-2024 Corsair
How Ford Will Fix the Problem
Although the faulty camera display has been a fairly common problem over the years. It is an issue that NHTSA takes very seriously. In November 2024, NHTSA fined Ford $165 million for moving too slowly to recall vehicles with faulty rearview cameras and for failing to give the agency complete information as required by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Owners will be notified twice about the recall. First owners will be mailed letters starting May 19, 2025, telling them about the possible issue. Owners will be notified at a later date when Ford has updated software that will correct the problem. The new software can either be installed at the dealership or vehicles equipped with “Over the Air” update capability can receive an OTA software update. Ford expects to have the remedy available in the third quarter of 2025.
Owners with concerns can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for the recall is 25S49.
Owners may also call the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. NHTSA's number for the recall is 25V-315.
Ford Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
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