The problem, which Ford themselves reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) earlier this month, manifests as a delayed, frozen, or entirely absent rearview camera image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. Such a malfunction can severely impede a driver's ability to safely maneuver their vehicle, especially in crowded parking lots or driveways.
To rectify this software error, Ford will offer two solutions. Owners can either bring their affected vehicles to a dealership for a repair, or they can await an "over-the-air" (OTA) software update, which is expected to become available at a later date. The timeline for notification and resolution has been outlined: a preliminary letter informing owners of this safety risk is slated to be mailed out by June 16, 2025. A second, follow-up letter will then be dispatched once the OTA update is ready for deployment, anticipated sometime in the third quarter of 2025.
The recall encompasses a wide range of Ford and Lincoln models, totaling 1,075,299 vehicles. The affected Ford models span several years and include: the 2021-2024 Bronco, 2021-2024 Edge, 2023-2024 Escape, 2021-2024 F-150, 2023-2024 F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, and 2024 Mustang. For Lincoln vehicles, the recall affects the 2021-2023 Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair.
Owners of these vehicles are encouraged to contact Ford customer service directly for more information using the recall number 25S49, or by calling 1-866-436-7332. Alternatively, individuals can reach out to the NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or visit their website at nhtsa.gov for further details and to verify if their specific vehicle is included in the recall.
This proactive measure by Ford, prompted by a recognized software flaw, aims to mitigate potential safety hazards and ensure the continued reliability of their vehicles' crucial safety features.