SYNC Software Glitch in Ford and Lincoln Vehicles Prompts Safety Recall for Over 200,000 Drivers

Owners of Ford and Lincoln vehicles manufactured between 2018 and 2024 should prepare for a mandatory software update after a federal recall was issued for more than 200,000 vehicles due to a defect that may impact rear-view camera performance and driving safety. The issue, which affects vehicles equipped with Ford’s SYNC 3.2 R10 RC1 infotainment software, could result in a blank or frozen rear-view image, increasing the risk of crashes.

The defect stems from a software error that causes system instability when ignition cycles are short, filling up storage space in the vehicle’s infotainment module and triggering performance problems. In some cases, the camera display can go blank while the car is reversing or remain on after reversing is complete, posing a distraction to the driver. Ford traced the issue back to a software update rolled out between 2023 and 2024. The company has linked over 1,300 warranty claims to the defect and has since issued a corrected software version.

Affected models include popular vehicles such as the Ford Explorer, Mustang, Bronco Sport, F-150, Escape, and Transit, as well as Lincoln models like the Aviator, Nautilus, and Navigator. All affected vehicles rely on the same SYNC software version, which has since been replaced with a version that resolves the malfunction.

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive mailed notifications beginning July 28, 2025, and are advised to schedule service appointments with authorized Ford or Lincoln dealers to have the software updated at no charge. The recall was formally approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under recall number 25V442, with vehicle-specific eligibility searchable beginning July 1, 2025. For safety, owners are encouraged not to delay service, as rear-view image failure may compromise visibility and lead to accidents.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Ford Motor Company

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