Ford Motor Company has issued a major recall affecting over 1 million vehicles across its Ford and Lincoln brands. This recall spans model years 2021 through 2025 and targets a serious software defect tied to the rearview camera and infotainment screen systems.
According to documentation filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a fault in the vehicles’ infotainment software can cause the rearview camera display to freeze or go dark, particularly when the vehicle is put into reverse. This failure poses a safety concern, especially in situations requiring clear rear visibility.
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Affected Models in the Ford and Lincoln Lineups
The recall involves a broad range of vehicles, including popular SUVs, trucks, and electric models from both the Ford and Lincoln brands. The following models are impacted:
Ford Vehicles:
- 2021–2024 Bronco
- 2021–2024 F-150
- 2021–2024 Edge
- 2023–2024 Escape
- 2022–2024 Expedition
- 2022–2025 Transit
- 2021–2023 Mustang Mach-E
- 2024 Mustang
- 2024 Ranger
- 2023–2024 F-250 through F-600 Super Duty Trucks
Lincoln Vehicles:
- 2023–2024 Corsair
- 2021–2023 Nautilus
- 2022–2024 Navigator
What’s Causing the Problem?
The issue stems from a software glitch in the Ford Sync infotainment system. According to NHTSA records, the software may cause the infotainment screen to reset unexpectedly. When this happens, the rearview camera feed may freeze or not appear at all. There are no warning signs before the failure occurs, making it difficult for drivers to anticipate the malfunction.
Safety Concerns and Incident Reports
While Ford reports that no injuries have been linked to the issue, one minor crash resulting in property damage has been attributed to this malfunction. The absence of the rearview camera feed during vehicle operation—especially while reversing—can increase the risk of accidents, making this a critical safety concern.
Fixing the Issue: Software Updates and OTA Support
Ford plans to address the problem by updating the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software. Here’s what owners need to know:
- Vehicles equipped with over-the-air (OTA) update capability will receive the fix remotely once the software is ready.
- Other vehicles will require a visit to a Ford or Lincoln dealership for a manual update.
- As of now, the software fix is not yet available.
Owner Notifications and Next Steps
Ford has already informed its dealership network about the recall. Owners will begin receiving notification letters starting June 16. Once the updated software is available, additional letters will be mailed to schedule service appointments.
The NHTSA expects the remedy to be available by the third quarter of 2025. Until then, drivers are urged to stay alert and use extra caution when reversing, especially if their infotainment screen freezes or goes black.
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Final Thoughts
This wide-reaching recall underscores the increasing complexity of vehicle technology and how software errors can directly impact driver safety. If you own one of the affected vehicles, watch for communication from Ford or Lincoln and take prompt action once a fix is available.