Ford Motor is recalling nearly 1.1 million vehicles in the United States due to a rearview camera software issue that may lead to the camera not displaying images, increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall encompasses various 2021 through 2024 model year vehicles including Bronco, F-150, Edge, Escape, Corsair, as well as 2023-2024 F-series trucks, among others.
The big picture: The software problem may lead to issues such as delayed or frozen rearview camera images or the camera not displaying at all, potentially compromising driver safety.
- Ford is aware of one incident of a minor crash resulting in property damage related to the rearview camera issue.
Driving the news: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had raised concerns about rear-view camera complaints on 2021-2023 Ford F-150 vehicles, prompting Ford to investigate and identify specific software variants linked to the issue.
What we’re watching: Ford plans to address the problem by updating vehicle software through an over-the-air update, with letters notifying owners of the safety risk expected to be mailed by June 16. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available later this year.
Flashback: This is not the first time Ford has faced rearview camera issues, with the company issuing two other recalls in April covering approximately 289,000 vehicles, where they will replace the rearview cameras.
- Ford had previously agreed to a $165 million civil penalty after the NHTSA found that the automaker failed to recall vehicles with defective rearview cameras in a timely manner, and an investigation was opened to determine whether the initial recall was made promptly.
