Major Safety Recall Issued for Popular Ford Models
Ford Motor Company has announced a significant safety recall affecting approximately 1.7 million vehicles in the United States. This action addresses two separate but critical defects linked to the infotainment system, which can lead to a sudden and complete loss of the rearview camera image. The recall underscores the growing complexity of vehicle electronics and their direct impact on fundamental safety features.
Details of the Dual Recall Campaigns
The recall is split into two distinct campaigns. The first and larger campaign involves around 1.3 million vehicles from model years 2021-2023. These include popular models like the Ford Explorer, Mustang Mach-E, Bronco Sport, and Maverick. The issue stems from a poor electrical connection in the infotainment display, which can cause the screen to go blank. A blank screen directly disables the rearview camera feed, a violation of federal safety standards established to prevent backover accidents.
The second campaign targets approximately 422,000 vehicles, including the 2020-2023 Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair. This defect involves a wiring problem for the rearview camera that can similarly result in a loss of the video image, independent of the main display.
Safety Risks and Owner Actions
The failure of the rearview camera presents a clear safety hazard, especially in crowded parking lots or areas with low visibility. Drivers rely on this technology to detect obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles behind them that may not be visible in mirrors alone. A non-functional camera significantly increases the risk of a collision during reversing maneuvers.
Ford will begin notifying affected owners by mail in June. Dealerships will perform the necessary repairs free of charge. For the first campaign, technicians will update the display module software and inspect the connector, replacing parts as needed. For the second, they will inspect and repair camera wiring. Owners are advised to use extra caution when reversing their vehicles until the recall service is completed.