Ford’s Major Recall of Nearly 2 Million Vehicles
Ford is recalling close to 2 million vehicles due to a malfunctioning rear camera that could impair driver visibility and elevate crash risks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announcement on Tuesday.
The problem arises when the rear-view camera, which is supposed to display on the dashboard, is activated while the vehicle is turned upside down. This can lead to images being inverted, distorted, or even completely blank, the agency cautioned.
The recall covers about 1.9 million models, including various years of the Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-series trucks (F-250, F-350, F-450), Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, Edge, Transit Connect, and even the 2019 Ranger, among others.
This recall is part of a broader issue concerning Ford’s rear camera systems. It impacts approximately 1.45 million units in the U.S., along with 122,000 in Canada and an additional 300,000 elsewhere globally.
Interestingly, an estimated 2.7%—that’s about 39,323 vehicles—are reported to be defective in the U.S.
Ford has acknowledged 44,123 global warranty claims and has noted 18 accidents that might be related to the faulty cameras produced by Magna International, although they have not recorded any injuries associated with these incidents.
Vehicle owners are required to take their cars to a Ford dealer for inspection, where cameras will be checked and replaced if necessary.
Owners can expect a notification letter outlining the safety risks to be sent by September 22nd, followed by additional details on the remedy when it becomes available.
This recalls echoes a previous situation from April, where Ford also recalled around 166,000 cars due to issues with the rear camera.
Furthermore, in November, the NHTSA had already investigated Ford regarding delays in recalling vehicles with faulty rear cameras. This investigation began after more than 620,000 vehicles were recalled in 2020 for similar camera-related problems, leading to a civil penalty of $165 million for Ford.
It’s worth noting that Canadian auto parts supplier Magna International has also issued recall notices for more than 250,000 rear cameras used in various Ford and Stellantis vehicles.
