If you happen to be behind the wheel of a Ford vehicle—whether it’s a car, truck, or SUV—you might want to consider doing some neck stretches, especially if you’ve grown accustomed to relying solely on your backup camera when reversing. These days, thanks to the widespread use of rearview cameras, most drivers have stopped turning their heads to look over their shoulders, opting instead to simply glance at their vehicle’s infotainment screen. However, Ford has recently issued a cautionary announcement that might make you think twice about that habit. More than one million of its vehicles are being recalled in the United States due to a flaw in the rearview camera systems, which could render them unreliable.
Specifically, Ford is recalling 1,075,299 vehicles due to a defect involving the image transmission from the rear camera to the touchscreen display. According to several customer complaints, the system can malfunction in various ways—some drivers have noted that the image is delayed, freezes mid-frame, or doesn’t appear at all. Such malfunctions can pose serious risks, particularly when trying to navigate tight spaces or reverse out of crowded parking lots. A malfunctioning camera could significantly impair visibility and lead to potential accidents.
The scope of the issue is wide-ranging, impacting nearly every major vehicle in Ford’s lineup. This includes popular models such as the Mustang, the electric Mach-E, the Bronco, Escape, Expedition, and various F-Series pickup trucks. Even Ford’s luxury brand, Lincoln, has not been spared; three of its models are also included in the recall. A full list of the affected vehicles has been provided by the automaker for customer reference. Importantly, Ford clarified that the issue does not stem from the camera itself or the display screen. Rather, the problem lies in the software—specifically, the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) that controls how the camera feed is delivered to the screen.
To resolve the problem, Ford will update the software either through an over-the-air update, where available, or via a visit to an authorized dealership. Rearview cameras have been legally required on all new cars sold in the United States since May 2018. As a result, even high-performance sports cars and minimalist vehicles are now equipped with screens to accommodate the camera system. Some automakers, like Jaguar and Polestar, have even taken advantage of this requirement to eliminate rear windows entirely. However, recurring issues like this Ford recall highlight the challenges of increasingly software-dependent vehicle systems. Given the frequency of similar recalls across the auto industry, it’s likely we’ll see many more in the near future.