Ford Backup Camera Failures Result in Recall Affecting Nearly 1.5M Vehicles: NHTSA

Manufacturer has received nearly 20 accident reports and more than 40,000 warranty claims related to rearview camera display malfunctions.

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall impacting 1,456,417 vehicles, which may contain a dangerous defect in the rearview camera software that could increase the risk of an auto accident.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Ford rearview camera recall on September 8, warning that certain vehicles’ rearview camera systems may display distorted, inverted or blank images.

A rearview camera, or backup camera, is an important safety feature that allows drivers to see behind themselves while the car is in reverse. Since at least May 2018, federal regulations have required that all new motor vehicles under 10,000 pounds feature a rearview camera, noting that if the image is not displayed, it may lead to a crash with another vehicle, object or bystanders.

According to the NHTSA recall report (PDF), Ford is aware of at least 18 accidents, 195 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) and 44,123 warranty claims linked to the current issue.

Ford first became aware of the problem in April 2025, when vehicles were brought to the company’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) after losing rearview camera functions. 

Over the following months, Ford investigated the potential causes of the rearview camera problems and discovered that the supplier had made an unauthorized change to its printed circuit board header tooling, which is the equipment used to manufacture the small connectors on electronic boards. The change reduced terminal contact, leading to corrosion and malfunctioning rearview camera displays.

On September 8, Ford decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall (PDF) affecting the following vehicles and model years:

Drivers are now being warned that affected vehicles may experience a distorted image, an intermittent image, or a complete loss of image.

Customers will begin receiving letters about the risk on September 22, followed by additional letters once dealer inspections and replacement cameras become available.

The company’s number for the current recall is 25S89. Customers can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the company’s contact for this recall, Dusty Gardner, via email at dusty.gardner@dot.gov. NHTSA announced a related recall (25V-270) on April 16, 2025.

Owners with any additional questions can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

2025 Ford Recalls  

So far in 2025, NHTSA data shows that Ford has issued at least 110 separate recalls.

The automaker recalled more than 1 million vehicles in June, following a separate rearview camera defect that caused vehicles to fail to comply with federal safety standards.

In July, more than 850,000 Ford vehicles were recalled, following reports of engine failures, as well as nearly 700,000 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs due to a risk of vehicle fires caused by gas leaks.

Last month, Ford recalled certain F-150 pickup trucks after reports that axle hub bolts may break, leading to vehicle rollaway issues, and also recalled additional truck models due to instrument cluster failures that prevent drivers from seeing safety alerts. In total, Ford has recalled more than 5 million vehicles this year alone.

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