Ford recalls 1.45 million U.S. vehicles over rearview camera defects

Ford’s latest recall hits 1.45 million cars

Ford has announced a major recall involving nearly 1.45 million vehicles in the U.S. The recall is linked to faulty rear-view cameras that can display distorted or blank images, raising the risk of crashes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that the issue affects popular models, including the Explorer, Escape, Mustang, and Fusion. Ford said it aims to address the problems with older analog cameras by offering fixes and extended warranties.

Safety regulators raise major concerns

The recall notice posted by NHTSA cites the potential for distorted or blank rear-view images when reversing. That defect could make it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians or objects behind their vehicles.

According to CBS News, safety officials stated that this issue increases crash risks and urged owners to have their vehicles inspected immediately. Ford has confirmed that dealers will inspect and replace affected cameras at no charge.

Faulty cameras spark investigation

Reuters reported that the NHTSA first opened an investigation into Ford’s rear camera issues in October 2024. The investigation began after the agency received complaints involving around 36,000 2019 Ford Flex vehicles.

By January 2025, the NHTSA had requested detailed information from Ford, prompting the automaker to initiate internal checks. This ultimately led to the large-scale recall announced in October 2025.

List of recalled Ford and Lincoln models

The recall affects several models between 2015 and 2020, including the Explorer (2015), Escape (2015–2016), Mustang (2020), and Fusion (2016), according to CBS News. Lincoln vehicles, such as the MKT (2015, 2019) and MKZ (2015), are also included.

Ford’s recall also extends to the Fiesta (2019), Flex (2015–2019), Taurus (2015–2019), and C-Max (2015–2016). The company has asked owners of these models to await official mail notifications.

Ford outlines repair and replacement plan

According to USA Today, Ford dealerships will inspect and replace the defective rear cameras at no cost to owners. Interim owner letters will be mailed in October 2025; a second notice will follow when the final remedy is available (anticipated June 2026).

Owners will receive follow-up letters when the final remedy is available. This may be as late as June 2026, ensuring that every vehicle gets the proper repair and documentation.

Camera issues linked to five reported accidents

Reuters confirmed that Ford is aware of about 12,500 warranty claims and five accidents related to the faulty rear cameras. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported in connection with these incidents so far.

The automaker stated that it remains focused on identifying the root causes and improving the reliability of its parts. Ford emphasized its goal of preventing similar camera issues in future models through enhanced testing and design updates.

Extended warranties for millions of vehicles

In September, Ford reached an agreement with NHTSA to extend warranty coverage on millions of vehicles equipped with analog cameras, Reuters reported. The new plan extends warranties up to 15 years for select models.

This customer satisfaction program covers more than two dozen Ford and Lincoln vehicles, including 2015–2020 F-150 trucks. The company said the move reflects its commitment to supporting long-term vehicle safety and customer confidence.

Ford’s earlier $165 million penalty

Ford agreed in November 2024 to pay a $165 million civil penalty following an investigation by NHTSA. The agency determined that Ford delayed recalling vehicles with defective rear-view cameras.

The company stated that this penalty was part of its broader effort to enhance transparency and improve safety protocols. Ford has since restructured its recall process to ensure faster communication with both regulators and customers.

Another round of camera recalls earlier this year

Reuters reported that Ford had already recalled around 625,000 vehicles earlier in 2025 for rear-view camera and seat-belt issues. These earlier actions underscore the widespread nature of the technical challenges.

In May and July 2025, the automaker also recalled over 1.1 million Ford and Lincoln vehicles for similar camera malfunctions. Ford stated these recalls are part of an ongoing effort to strengthen driver safety.

360-degree cameras also under review

According to CBS News, nearly 290,000 Ford vehicles were recalled earlier this month due to defects in their 360-degree camera systems. The cameras sometimes failed to display rear images correctly in certain lighting conditions.

Safety officials stated that the issue highlights the limitations of older analog camera systems. Ford engineers are currently evaluating software updates and component redesigns to prevent such failures in future models.

Ford shares see slight dip after recall

After the recall announcement, Reuters reported that Ford shares fell 0.7% in early trading. While the drop was minor, it signaled investor concern about the automaker’s growing list of recalls.

Ford reassured shareholders that the latest recall and service campaign would not have a material impact on company earnings. Executives said maintaining customer trust remains their top financial and operational priority.

How owners can check their vehicles

According to USA Today, Ford owners can contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332 to confirm if their vehicle is affected. NHTSA’s official recall number for this issue is 25V695.

Owners can also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for further assistance. Ford recommends scheduling inspections as soon as possible after receiving notification letters.

Ford’s official recall number and process

Ford’s internal recall number for this issue is 25SA9, as reported by CBS News. The company has already begun organizing repair appointments through its national dealer network.

Dealers will begin inspections and replacements once parts become available. Affected owners will receive detailed instructions by mail, outlining next steps and safety reminders from Ford’s recall team.

Ford aims to rebuild consumer confidence

Ford Chief Operating Officer Kumar Galhotra stated that the company aims to “move past this specific problem with analog rear-view cameras,” according to Reuters. He emphasized Ford’s renewed focus on product reliability and safety.

The automaker noted that its newer models now feature upgraded digital camera systems to prevent similar issues. Galhotra said Ford remains committed to earning back customer confidence through consistent performance.

Toyota will begin building battery-electric SUVs at its Kentucky plant in 2026. Exciting news for EV fans.

Ford’s growing list of safety recalls in 2025

According to Reuters, Ford has faced several recalls in 2025 beyond camera-related issues. These include defects in low-pressure fuel pumps and seat-belt malfunctions, affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles nationwide.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the automaker continues to work closely with the NHTSA and its suppliers. The company believes these steps will help strengthen both manufacturing quality and public confidence.

Porsche drops in-house EV battery production as demand slows. This is interesting news for EV enthusiasts.

Enjoyed learning about EV batteries and how to keep them healthy? Share your thoughts, like this slideshow, or tell a friend who’s thinking about going electric.

Read More From This Brand:

• China competition and US tariffs drag down Mercedes earnings
• Xiaomi’s Tesla Y Rival YU7 Arrives In Beijing Showrooms
• Why Hyundai EVs charge more slowly at Tesla Superchargers

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN

If you liked this story, you’ll LOVE our FREE emails. Join today and be the first to get stories like this one

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.