Ford Recalls 1.45 Million Vehicles Over Dangerous Rearview Camera Defect

What vehicles are affected?

The recall spans 51 models and model years from 2015-2019, including some of Ford's most popular vehicles:

• 2015–2018 Ford Edge
• 2015–2017 Ford Expedition
• 2015–2019 Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks (F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550)
• 2015–2019 Ford Mustang
• 2019 Ford Ranger
• 2016–2019 Ford Transit
• 2015–2018 Ford Transit Connect
• 2017–2019 Ford Econoline
• 2015–2019 Lincoln MKC
• 2015–2017 Lincoln Navigator

Safety risks and known incidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defective cameras, manufactured by supplier Magna International, fail due to an unauthorized change in the production process that weakened electrical connectors. This causes intermittent connections that result in no image, inverted images, or distorted displays when drivers need visibility most.

Ford has acknowledged 18 accidents related to this defect, though fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported to date. However, the risk remains significant, especially in areas with high pedestrian activity. Rearview cameras became mandatory on all new vehicles in 2018 precisely to prevent backover accidents, which cause approximately 210 deaths and 15,000 injuries annually in the US.

What owners should do immediately

1. Check if your vehicle is affected: Owners can verify their vehicle's status using the NHTSA recall lookup tool or Ford's official recall page
2. Wait for notification: Ford will mail official recall notices to registered owners starting September 22, 2025
3. Schedule free repair: Affected owners should contact their local Ford or Lincoln dealer to schedule an inspection and free camera replacement if needed. The repair typically takes less than an hour

Your legal rights and options

If you own one of these affected vehicles and have been in a backover accident, you may have additional legal options beyond the recall repair:

• Product liability claims: If the defective camera contributed to an accident, you might have a claim against Ford or the parts manufacturer, even if you've already had the recall repair completed
• Compensation for damages: Accident victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering

The bigger picture: Technology and safety

This recall highlights the double-edged nature of increasing vehicle technology. While modern safety features like rearview cameras have significantly reduced backover accidents, they also introduce new potential failure points. As vehicles become more technologically complex, consumers should:

• Stay informed about recalls affecting their vehicles
• Understand both the benefits and limitations of safety technologies
• Maintain traditional driving skills like using mirrors and physically checking surroundings

Safety first

While Ford's recall addresses the immediate technical issue, vehicle owners must remain proactive about safety. If you own an affected vehicle, take advantage of the free repair immediately, before any potential accident occurs. If you've already been in an accident potentially related to this defect, remember that you have legal rights that extend beyond the recall itself.

Check your VIN at the NHTSA website today, and always remember to use both technology and your own eyes when reversing.