Ford and its problems… they have been forced to recall more than 200,000 vehicles due to a software issue with the rearview camera! It seems Ford is not going through its best moment… and now they have had to report that over 200,000 vehicles could pose a risk to road safety. As you probably know, rearview cameras are crucial for maneuvers, and these… were not working properly… We’ll tell you everything that’s going on with Ford and which vehicles will need to take a trip to the shop to get it fixed.
What’s wrong with the camera?
Well, the company has informed the NHTSA that the rearview camera system (the one that activates when you put the vehicle in reverse, for example, to park or back out) does not display any image. It only shows a blank screen, or sometimes, an image that does not disappear when you shift the gear.
Which vehicles are affected by the camera issue?
The defect affects 200,061 vehicles (a pretty big recall…), including some of the brand’s most popular models. It ranges from SUVs and pickups to sedans and vans. Among the affected Ford models are the Bronco Sport (2021–2024), Escape (2020–2022), F-150 (2019–2020), Mustang (2019–2023), and Transit (2020–2023). Some Lincoln models are also involved, like the Nautilus (2019–2020) and Navigator (2020–2021).
What should owners do?
Stay calm, because everything is already in the hands of the authorities! Affected owners will not have to pay for the repair, of course! Ford has committed to updating the camera software for free at its dealerships and official service centers, but in the meantime, drivers are advised to be especially cautious when beginning parking maneuvers (which, as you know, are the most complicated ones to carry out).
The company has enabled its customer service line at 1-866-436-7332, and more information can also be found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website: www.nhtsa.gov.
Why are these cameras so important?
Believe it or not, rearview cameras have become a key safety feature. They make parking maneuvers easier and help prevent accidents because they offer (or should offer, not the case for Ford, clearly) a clear view of what’s happening behind your car. Do you know how many kids suddenly run out without you being able to react if you’re just looking over your shoulder? Especially useful in low-visibility areas, they are essential to keep all users (both drivers and pedestrians) safe.
One more problem for Ford
This is not an isolated case. In recent years, the automotive industry has seen a significant increase in recalls due to software and electronic issues, especially in Ford’s case, with around 40 different recalls globally just this year. Sure, we appreciate that vehicle safety is being reviewed, but finding out your car could be a driving hazard is not something anyone likes.
Now, Ford will have to rebuild the trust of its drivers to keep everything running as before, and we’ll have to see if that doesn’t damage the brand’s image, but still, we’re talking about 200,000 vehicles with this issue!!
The best part is that Ford responded quickly to identify the problem, but the reality is that to innovate, you need much stricter controls… and they are not being carried out… For the owners, the solution will be simple: a free software update. But for the industry, the challenge is bigger: to ensure that the technology meant to make driving safer doesn’t end up creating new dangers!