Ford is recalling more than one million vehicles due to a defect affecting rearview cameras, which may fail to display properly when the vehicle is in reverse. This widespread issue, caused by a software error, impacts a broad range of 2021–2025 models and could significantly reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2023-2024 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. 1,075,299 Ford vehicles are subject to this bad backup camera recall.
A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse. A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford bad backup camera recall remedy
The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 16, 2025. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated for third quarter 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25S49.
Looking backward for more information
On January 17, 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) alerted Ford about complaints from drivers of 2021–2023 Ford F-150s reporting frozen rearview cameras while backing up. NHTSA shared 37 reports with Ford. Of these, 15 said their rearview camera froze, 18 had issues with the SYNC or APIM systems, and 4 had problems with the camera cutting out, on and off.
By February 6, 2025, Ford’s safety team started investigating the frozen camera issue. On April 2, the SYNC engineering team found the problem in vehicles using specific versions (1.7 to 1.9) of the SYNC4 software. They also discovered 232 warranty claims across several Ford models with these software versions.
On May 2, 2025, Ford’s Field Review Committee approved a fix. So far, there’s been one report of a minor crash causing property damage, but no injuries have been reported in this Ford bad backup camera recall.
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RVT1211b
Thank you for the news, Russ and Tina! RV Travel certainly “beats the pants off” the recalling manufacturers in terms of timeliness of its recall article relative to the manufacturer’s letter. Well done! Have a great day and safe travels!
“The more you overhaul the plumbing the easier it is to stop up the drain” I would like to see the “stats” from vehicle incidents from the days when we used to have to use the mirrors or look out the window when backing up. Too many folks relying on technology these days to do the “looking and thinking” for them. Hundreds of thousands have been driving without “lane change assist, blind spot monitors, automatic headlights, etc.