Ford Motor Co. is recalling 1,075,299 vehicles in the U.S. due to a software defect that may cause rearview camera images to freeze, delay, or fail to display, increasing the risk of crashes. The recall affects more than a dozen models spanning the 2021 to 2025 model years, including bestsellers like the F-150, Bronco, and Edge.
"A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse," the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated. "A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash."
Ford said it was aware of one allegation of a minor crash resulting in property damage but reported no injuries. The recall was initiated after the NHTSA contacted the company on January 17 with 37 consumer complaints, primarily concerning the 2021-2023 F-150. In 15 of those cases, drivers specifically described frozen rearview images.
The affected vehicles include:
- 2021-2024 F-150: 527,371 units
- 2021-2024 Edge: 157,506 units
- 2022-2025 Transit: 136,968 units
- 2021-2024 Bronco: 104,394 units
- 2023-2024 Super Duty (F-250 through F-600): 65,385 units
- Other models include Mustang, Escape, Ranger, Navigator, Mach-E, Nautilus, Expedition, and Corsair.
Ford's Critical Concern Review Group began investigating the issue on February 6, and by April, engineers had traced the problem to specific software variants in the vehicles' infotainment systems. The software manages dashboard displays, maps, and apps, and failures in the system directly impacted the backup camera feed.
To address the issue, Ford plans to roll out an over-the-air software update, or owners can bring their vehicles to a dealership for servicing. Initial notification letters will be mailed beginning June 16, followed by a second round later this year when the fix is available. The recall is identified as number 25V315000 by NHTSA and 25S49 by Ford.
This is the latest in a series of rearview camera-related recalls for the automaker. In April, Ford issued two other recalls affecting 289,000 vehicles. In November, Ford agreed to a $165 million civil penalty after an NHTSA probe found it had delayed earlier recalls for defective rear cameras.
Owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA hotline at 888-327-4236. Additional details are available at www.nhtsa.gov.
