By ANNIE ALLEN
Ford Motor Company has announced a massive recall of nearly 1.45 million vehicles in the United States due to faulty rear-view cameras that can display distorted or blank images — a defect that could increase the risk of crashes while reversing.
Affected Models and Years
The recall covers several 2015–2020 Ford and Lincoln models, including:
Ford Explorer, Escape, Mustang, Fusion, Flex, Fiesta, C-Max, and Taurus Lincoln MKZ and MKT
Owners of these vehicles are urged to contact their local Ford or Lincoln dealer, where technicians will inspect and replace the rear-view cameras free of charge.
The Problem
According to Ford, the rear-view cameras in some vehicles may fail over time, showing flickering, distorted, or completely blank images when drivers shift into reverse.
The company told regulators it has received around 12,500 warranty claims and reports of five accidents related to the issue, though no injuries have been reported.
Regulatory Pressure and Background
The latest recall comes after a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) probe launched in late 2024. The agency began investigating after numerous owners of 2019 Ford Flex vehicles complained of camera malfunctions.
Last month, Ford also recalled 1.9 million vehicles worldwide for similar camera problems, while a separate recall earlier this month affected 625,000 vehicles for backup-camera and seat-belt issues.
Ford’s Chief Operating Officer Kumar Galhotra said the company aims to “move past this specific problem with analog rear-view cameras” as it transitions to newer digital systems.
Extended Warranty Coverage
In addition to the recall, Ford will extend warranty coverage for up to 15 years on millions of other vehicles equipped with analog cameras. The program includes more than two dozen models, such as the 2015–2020 F-150 pickup.
Financial and Legal Fallout
The automaker said the new recall and warranty program will not have a material impact on its earnings. However, Ford shares slipped 0.7% in early trading Wednesday following the announcement.
In November 2024, Ford agreed to pay a $165 million fine after federal regulators determined the company had been too slow to recall vehicles with defective cameras.
What Owners Should Do
Ford owners can check whether their vehicle is affected by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA recall website or on Ford’s recall page.
Drivers are urged to act quickly to ensure their vehicle’s rear-view camera is working properly — a small fix that could prevent serious accidents.
