Ford Motor Company has issued a significant recall affecting over one million vehicles across its Ford and Lincoln brands. The recall addresses a critical safety concern related to the rearview camera system.
Owners of many popular models from model years 2021 through 2025 are impacted. This widespread issue highlights the increasing reliance on complex software systems in modern vehicles and the importance of their flawless operation for driver safety.
The Problem: Frozen or Blank Camera Displays
The core of this recall stems from a software error within the Ford Sync infotainment system. According to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this software glitch can lead to unexpected system resets. When this happens, the center infotainment screen may freeze or go completely blank while the vehicle is in reverse.
This malfunction results in frozen, delayed, or entirely missing backup camera information, which significantly increases the risk of a crash. Ford documents indicate that there are no prior warning signs before this error occurs, making it a sudden and potentially dangerous issue for drivers.
Affected Models: A Broad Range of Vehicles
The recall encompasses a vast number of vehicles, touching a significant portion of both Ford and Lincoln’s popular lineups. Specifically, the recall includes:
Ford Models:
2021–2024 Bronco
2021–2024 F-150
2021–2024 Edge
2023–2024 Escape
2023–2024 F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-600 Super Duty trucks
2022–2024 Expedition
2022–2025 Transit
2021–2023 Mustang Mach-E
2024 Ranger
2024 Mustang
Lincoln Models:
2023–2024 Corsair
2021–2023 Nautilus
2022–2024 Navigator
This extensive list demonstrates the broad impact of the software issue across various vehicle types, from popular SUVs and trucks to electric vehicles and sedans.
Safety Concerns and Known Incidents
The primary safety concern is the loss of the rearview camera feed when a driver is backing up. A frozen or black screen creates a false representation of the vehicle’s surroundings. This significantly raises the potential for collisions, especially in crowded parking lots or driveways.
Ford has acknowledged being aware of one minor crash related to this recall issue. This incident resulted in property damage. Fortunately, at the time of the recall announcement, Ford was not aware of any injuries directly related to the rearview camera malfunction. This indicates that while the risk is present, severe consequences have been limited so far.
The Remedy: Software Update Coming Soon
To address this critical issue, Ford will provide a software update for the affected vehicles. Owners will be instructed to bring their vehicles to an authorized Ford or Lincoln dealership. Here, the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated.
Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates for Equipped Vehicles
For vehicles equipped with over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities, the fix will be even more convenient. These owners will be able to receive the necessary software update remotely, eliminating the need for a trip to the dealership. This modern approach to recalls leverages connected car technology for a smoother resolution process.
Notification Timeline for Owners
Ford and Lincoln dealerships have already been notified about the recall. Owners of affected vehicles will begin receiving initial notification letters starting June 16, 2025. This initial letter will inform them of the safety risk. A second notification letter will be sent out once the software remedy becomes fully available.
NHTSA anticipates that this software update will be ready for distribution during the third quarter of 2025 (July to September). Owners are encouraged to wait for this second letter before attempting to schedule their repair.
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