Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 1.45 million vehicles worldwide because of rearview cameras that can show inverted, distorted, or blank images, marking the latest in a string of similar actions over the problem.
The recall affects certain 2015-2019 models, including the Lincoln MKC, Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Expedition, Edge, Transit, Transit Connect, Econoline, and Ranger. About 1.45 million of the vehicles are in the U.S., with 122,000 in Canada and roughly 300,000 elsewhere.
“The concern involves the rearview camera displaying a distorted, intermittent or persistent loss of image,” a Ford spokesperson said in an email. “This condition can reduce a driver’s visibility when backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.”
The issue stems from an unauthorized change made by a sub-supplier to the printed circuit board header tooling, which weakens terminal contact and causes fretting corrosion, the spokesperson said.
Ford is aware of 44,123 warranty claims worldwide related to the issue, as well as 18 crashes, but no injuries have been reported.
Dealers will check the cameras and replace them with updated parts at no cost if needed. Owners should get notice starting the week of September 22.
This follows a pattern of recalls on the issue. In April, Ford recalled 160,000 2015 models due to camera failures. An NHTSA probe launched in August 2021 examined delays in a 2020 recall of 620,246 vehicles; Ford widened it in 2022 and added 24,000 more in March 2024. That led to a $165 million civil penalty in November for untimely recalls.
Last year, NHTSA sent Ford seven reports of camera failures in 2015-2018 models for review.
Separately, Magna International, a Canadian supplier, is recalling over 250,000 rearview cameras used in some Ford and Stellantis vehicles.
Ford has issued 109 recalls in the U.S. this year, more than any other automaker. Last month, it recalled over 355,000 trucks for dashboard display glitches and nearly 500,000 SUVs for brake hose concerns.