Ford Recall Impacts 1.45 Million US Vehicles Over Rearview Camera Defect

Ford Motor Company is undertaking a significant recall, affecting approximately 1.45 million vehicles in the United States. The recall addresses a defect associated with the rearview camera, which may display a blank or distorted image when the vehicle is in reverse. This malfunction, identified in models from 2015 to 2019, poses a risk by potentially impairing the driver's ability to see the area behind the vehicle, thereby increasing the likelihood of accidents.

The models involved include the Ford Mustang, Ranger, Transit, Transit Connect, Econoline, Edge, Expedition, and Super Duty trucks, along with certain Lincoln MKC and Navigator vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that Ford has been made aware of 18 accidents linked to this issue, though no injuries have been reported.

Vehicle owners will receive notifications by mail advising them to visit their nearest Ford or Lincoln dealership to have their vehicles' rearview cameras inspected and, if necessary, replaced. This service will be provided at no cost to the vehicle owners. The issue stems from a problem identified in the manufacturing of the camera's printed circuit board, which resulted in poor connectivity and, consequently, a malfunction of the camera.

This recall is an addition to previous efforts by Ford to manage rearview camera issues, as earlier recalls had similar motivations but affected different vehicle components. The ongoing challenges underscore the complexity of modern automotive supply chains, where components are often sourced from third-party suppliers, such as the Canadian company Magna International.

Globally, the recall initiative encompasses around 1.9 million vehicles, including approximately 122,000 units in Canada and about 300,000 in markets outside North America. The current measures follow Ford's history of recalls related to rearview cameras, as well as broader concerns over the company's recall practices.

The affected vehicle owners are encouraged to contact Ford customer service or refer to online databases for more detailed information about the recall status specific to their vehicle. Ford is committed to rectifying these issues and continues to collaborate with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and safety.