Ford Recalls Over 290,000 Super Duty Trucks Due to Rearview Camera Display Issue

Ford Motor Company is initiating a recall affecting approximately 291,901 of its Super Duty trucks, specifically the 2020-2022 model years of the F-450, F-250, and F-350, due to a defect in the 360-degree camera system. The issue stems from the Image Processing Module software, which can lead to a rearview camera image appearing too dark or too bright under certain mixed lighting conditions, potentially increasing the risk of a crash when the vehicle is being reversed.

The defect arises because the Image Processing Module software applies a single light exposure balance setting across all four cameras simultaneously. When one or more cameras are exposed to significantly different lighting than the others, this unified setting can cause the composite rearview image to be severely underexposed or overexposed. This means drivers may not be able to clearly see the area behind their vehicle, a critical function when backing up, especially in dimly lit environments. No warning lights or messages will be displayed to alert drivers to this condition.

The affected vehicles include 20,128 Ford F-450 SD models, 152,657 Ford F-250 SD models, and 119,116 Ford F-350 SD models. These vehicles were produced between October 28, 2020, and December 23, 2022. The issue was brought to Ford’s attention through a vehicle owner questionnaire alleging a dark rearview camera image when backing into a dark area. Subsequent engineering analysis confirmed a light exposure balance issue in vehicles equipped with the 360-degree camera system. While Ford determined that the rearview camera systems comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111, the company believes the condition presents an unreasonable risk to safety. As of September 20, Ford is aware of 10 customer reports related to this issue, with the first report occurring in January 2022. Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this problem.

The remedy for this recall involves a software update to the Image Processing Module. Ford will notify dealers on October 13, 2025, and owners will receive notification letters beginning March 31, 2026, with the mailing expected to be completed by the same date. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealership, where the software will be updated at no cost. This updated software will incorporate decoupling logic for lighting contrast between cameras, preventing the dark rearview image during mixed lighting conditions. The remedy component is the updated software, which differs from the recalled component by incorporating this corrective logic.

Ford has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who may have incurred costs related to this defect prior to the recall. Vehicles with specific VIN applicability will be searchable on October 13, 2025. Owners who wish to determine if their vehicle is affected can contact Ford’s toll-free line at 1-866-436-7332 or consult a local Ford or Lincoln dealer, who can access the Ford On-line Automotive Service Information System (OASIS) database.

This recall impacts a significant number of Super Duty truck owners, emphasizing the importance of checking vehicle eligibility and scheduling the necessary software update to ensure safe operation.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Ford Motor Company

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