I’m tired of writing about Ford recalling its vehicles, and they’re not just stopping. In 2025 alone, the automaker has issued over 100 recalls, surpassing its previous record of 77 in a single year.
On Tuesday, Ford recalled approximately 1.5 million vehicles due to faulty rear-view cameras. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected vehicles are 2015-2019 models, including the Lincoln MKC, Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Expedition, Edge, Transit, Transit Connect, Econoline, and Ranger.
The rear-view cameras in these affected vehicles started displaying inverted, distorted, or blank images. It can create a blind spot for the driver while reversing, which leads to hitting objects, people, or other vehicles, increasing the risk of collisions and injuries.
How will Ford fix this issue? How risky could it be if your car has a faulty rear-view camera? Let’s find out in the article below. I’ll explore the complete truth behind this recall story.
What is a Rear-View Camera in the Car and How Does it Work?
A rear-view camera is a specialized camera system mounted at the back of the car, typically near the license plate or trunk handle. When you reverse your vehicle, this camera activates, displaying live video footage of the surroundings behind the car.
The footage is displayed on the dashboard or rear-view camera screen, helping the driver to control the vehicle while reversing safely. Regarding its operation, the rear-view cameras in a car utilize a combination of various components.
The first component is the camera placement, in which the camera is strategically positioned on the back of the car so that it can capture a wide-angle view of the obstacles behind the vehicle.
When the driver puts the reverse gear, the camera displays a live video feed of the back, which is transmitted to the screen inside the car. In modern cars, the rear-view cameras come with infrared technology that enhances visibility in low-light conditions.
Lastly, the rear-view cameras are integrated with the car’s electrical system. That is the reason the cameras activated automatically while reversing and deactivated when not reversing.
Why is it Important to have a Rear-View Camera on Your Vehicle?
Let’s discuss the importance of having a rear-view camera on your car.
- Avoid Collisions: When you reverse your car, the rear-view camera will help you avoid collisions with obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
- Reduced Blind Spots: Provide a wide-angle view of every object present behind your car, minimizing blind spots and increasing awareness of your surroundings.
- Prevent Accidents: Provide a real-time video feed of everything behind your vehicle, reducing the risk of colliding with other vehicles and injuries.
- Increased Resale Value: A car equipped with a rear-view camera system has a higher resale value as it is more technologically equipped.
- Improved Maneuverability: If your vehicle is equipped with rear-view cameras, you can park and reverse it more easily and precisely, particularly in congested areas.
What are the Affected Vehicles in the Recall?
According to the recall report, Ford Motor Company recalled over 1 million vehicles, including 2015-2019 models of Lincoln MKC, Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Expedition, Edge, Transit, Transit Connect, Econoline, and Ranger.
According to the NHTSA, Canadian auto parts supplier Magna International also recalled 250,000 certain Ford and Stellantis vehicles for the same issue. This makes the Ford vehicles’ rearview camera recall one of the largest safety actions of the year.
What is the Reason Behind the Recall?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford issued the recall due to faulty rear-view cameras. The cameras are displaying inverted, distorted, or blank images that could increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
However, the automaker hasn’t provided any explanation about how this happened.
What Causes the Rear-View Camera to Display Blank Images?
Several issues could cause a rear-view camera to display blank images. While reversing your vehicle, if you see a completely blank rear-view camera screen, there may be a broken camera module or lens.
It could also lead to an error message on the interior screen. A faulty camera sensor could also be blamed for rear-view cameras displaying blank images. It will not inform the computer that the car’s transmission has been put into reverse, which causes the issue.
How Dangerous Could it Be If Rear-View Cameras Display Blank Images?
A rear-view camera displaying blank images can be extremely dangerous. It can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Suppose you’re reversing your vehicle, and suddenly the rear-view camera stops working.
You can’t see what is behind your vehicle. In that case, you can collide with an object or another car, resulting in property damage, an accident, or an injury. It is dangerous for both you and other drivers on the road.
And when it is a tight space or a low-light area, the loss of visibility while reversing can be hazardous, as you may fail to see obstacles and other vehicles.
How will Ford Fix the Issue?
The only way to fix a rear-view camera displaying blank images is to have its software updated. However, Ford has asked the affected drivers to get the faulty cameras replaced by an authorized dealer, free of cost.
The affected drivers will be notified by mail with instructions on how to schedule the replacement.
Wrapping Up
Ford’s recall saga feels like a never-ending story. From brake pedal defects, airbag malfunctions, to instrument panel failures, there were countless recalls.
The Ford vehicles’ rear-view camera recall only adds fuel to the fire. With over 1 million vehicles affected, you must be questioning the reliability of the brand once known for toughness and trust.
While Ford promises a free replacement of faulty cameras, the bigger concern is how many recalls will come to light in the future. Despite these massive recalls, the automaker has committed to enhancing its vehicles’ safety and quality control measures.
Ford has enhanced its testing and inspection processes to identify and resolve potential issues before delivering products to customers.
