Ford Recalls Over 1.4 Million Vehicles Due to Rearview Camera Malfunction

According to a submission to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford Motor Company is initiating a recall affecting approximately 1,448,655 vehicles due to a defect that can cause the rearview camera image to become distorted, intermittent, or to be lost entirely. This malfunction could reduce the driver’s view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. The issue is primarily attributed to the rearview camera hardware itself.

The recall encompasses a range of Ford and Lincoln models produced between 2014 and 2020. Specific models included are the 2015-2019 Ford FLEX, the 2018-2019 and 2015-2016 Ford Taurus, the 2020 Ford Mustang, the 2015 Lincoln MKZ, the 2019 and 2015-2015 Lincoln MKT, the 2016 Ford Fusion, the 2019 Ford Fiesta, the 2015 Ford Explorer, and the 2015-2016 Ford Escape, as well as the 2015-2016 Ford C-MAX. The number of potentially affected vehicles varies by model, with the largest populations being the 2015-2016 Ford Escape and the 2016 Ford Fusion.

Ford became aware of this issue through trends in Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reported to NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigations. Following notification from NHTSA in January 2025, Ford launched an investigation into the rearview camera system failures. This investigation involved reviewing field data, warranty claims, and physical parts. While Ford initially found no defect related to motor vehicle safety across all affected vehicles, they later collaborated with NHTSA to identify a specific population of vehicles where the issue was more prevalent. As of October 1, 2025, Ford reported 339 VOQs related to this concern, along with 12,487 warranty claims and five reported accidents, though no injuries were reported. The supplier of the rearview cameras is Magna, a Tier 1 supplier based in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The remedy for affected vehicles will involve an inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the rearview camera. This service will be provided at no cost to the owner. The replacement cameras will be manufactured using an updated process to ensure higher quality control. Ford has not yet identified when the condition was corrected in production. Vehicle owners will be notified by mail and instructed to bring their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for the necessary service.

Ford plans to notify dealers on October 14, 2025, and begin mailing interim owner notification letters between October 20 and October 24, 2025. The mailing of remedy owner notification letters, detailing the actual repair schedule, is expected to commence on June 29, 2026, and conclude by July 3, 2026. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) are expected to be searchable on October 14, 2025, allowing owners to check their vehicle’s eligibility for the recall. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles if they experience issues with the rearview camera and to park them outside until the repair is completed.

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

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