Ford Issues Recall of 1.46 Million Vehicles Over Backup Camera Failures

Backup cameras are one of the most important safety features in modern vehicles, giving drivers better visibility while reversing. But when these cameras fail, they can pose serious risks. Recently, Ford Motor Company announced a massive recall of nearly 1.46 million vehicles due to faulty rear-view cameras.

This recall impacts some of Ford’s most popular models, including the Mustang, Ranger, and the F-Series Super Duty trucks. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue lies in the camera’s display, which may intermittently lose its image, show a distorted feed, or fail completely.

Ford recalls 1.46 million vehicles backup camera issues

Which Ford Models Are Affected?

The recall covers a wide range of Ford and Lincoln vehicles manufactured between 2015 and 2019. Here’s a breakdown of the affected models:

  • Ford Mustang (2015–2019)

  • Ford F-Series Super Duty (F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550; 2016–2019)

  • Ford Ranger (2019)

  • Ford Expedition (2015–2017)

  • Ford Edge (2015–2018)

  • Ford Transit & Transit Connect (2015–2019)

  • Ford Econoline (2017–2019)

  • Lincoln MKC (2015–2019)

  • Lincoln Navigator (2015–2017)

In total, 1,456,417 units are included in this recall. Interestingly, Ford estimates that only 2.7% of these vehicles are likely to have the defect—but given the scale, that’s still tens of thousands of potential cases.

 

What’s Causing the Backup Camera Failure?

According to Ford’s recall documents, the root of the problem comes from a supplier-side quality control issue. Michigan-based supplier Magna provided rear-view cameras with incorrectly printed circuit boards. These flawed boards had lower terminal contact forces, allowing corrosion to form inside the camera and ultimately causing failures.

Depending on the level of damage, drivers may experience:

  • Intermittent or complete loss of the backup camera image

  • Distorted or inverted images on the display

  • Reduced rear visibility, increasing the risk of collisions

This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a genuine safety risk. Even a split-second loss of visibility when backing up can lead to accidents, which is why NHTSA requires automakers to take swift action.

 

When Did Ford Discover the Problem?

The timeline of this recall dates back to December 2024, when the NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigations flagged a pattern of complaints regarding Ford’s rear-view cameras.

Ford initially downplayed the trend but launched a deeper investigation in February 2025. A software recall was issued in April, but it proved ineffective in solving the problem. By August 2025, Ford engineers were able to replicate the defect, linking it directly to corrosion issues within the camera hardware.

So far, the automaker has received over 44,000 warranty claims worldwide and confirmed 18 accidents related to the faulty cameras.

 

What Is Ford’s Fix for the Recall?

For this round of recalls, Ford dealers will inspect the backup cameras and replace any that show signs of corrosion or distortion. The replacement cameras are built with an upgraded PCB header that uses higher terminal contact forces, making them more resistant to fretting corrosion.

The repairs will be carried out free of charge for affected customers. Ford has stated that given the low percentage of affected vehicles, the replacement process should be relatively straightforward.

 

What Should Owners Do Now?

If you own a Ford or Lincoln vehicle from the affected model years, it’s best to:

  1. Check your vehicle’s recall status using your VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup tool.

  2. Schedule an inspection with your local Ford dealership if your car is included.

  3. Avoid ignoring warning signs such as distorted, inverted, or blank backup camera images.

Even if your vehicle is not experiencing problems right now, it’s wise to take advantage of the recall since the defect can develop over time due to corrosion.

 

Final Thoughts

Backup cameras are designed to make driving safer, but when they fail, they can create new hazards. Ford’s proactive recall of nearly 1.46 million vehicles shows just how important it is for automakers to respond quickly to potential safety risks.

For drivers, the takeaway is simple: always pay attention to recall notices and get your vehicle serviced promptly. It’s not just about protecting your car—it’s about keeping yourself and others safe on the road.

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