Ford Recalls Nearly 1.5 Million U.S. Vehicles Over Rear-View Camera Fault

Ford is recalling almost 1.5 million vehicles in the United States after determining that rear-view camera images can appear blank or distorted on center display screens while vehicles are in reverse, a defect that can reduce or distort a driver’s view of the area behind the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.

The recall covers certain 2015 through 2019 model-year vehicles, including the Lincoln Navigator and MKC, Ford Mustang, Ranger, Transit, Transit Connect, Econoline, Edge, Expedition and F-series Super Duty models F-250 SD through F-550 SD. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday in its safety recall report that Ford is aware of 18 accidents linked to the camera issue and that no injuries have been reported.

According to the NHTSA report, the camera defect can result in a blank screen or an image that is distorted, intermittent or otherwise obscured when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The agency said that compromised camera images could reduce a driver’s ability to detect obstacles or people behind the vehicle, increasing crash risk.

Vehicle owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the rear-view camera inspected and replaced if necessary. Ford will provide the service at no charge to owners. Dealers will verify camera functionality and install replacement components where inspection indicates a defect.

Federal rules that required rear-visibility technology on virtually all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States went into effect in 2018, making rear-view cameras a standard safety feature on many of the recalled models. Automakers and safety regulators have continued to oversee the performance and durability of camera systems as vehicles age and components are exposed to environmental factors.

NHTSA maintains a public database of recalls and owner notification schedules; owners who believe their vehicles may be affected can check their vehicle identification number on the agency’s website or contact their dealer. Ford’s recall notice will include details on the specific models, production ranges and the timetable for owner notifications and dealer repairs.

The recall is part of ongoing oversight by federal regulators to address safety defects that can emerge from electronic and camera-based systems as they age. In this instance, NHTSA and Ford are pursuing dealer inspections and replacements to restore rear-visibility functionality and mitigate the risk associated with impaired camera images.