What began as a series of isolated reports from users noticing black screens or flickering images when reversing ended up becoming one of the biggest safety campaigns of the year for Ford Motor Company.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed a recall affecting 1.4 million Ford and Lincoln vehicles across the United States.

The problem lies in a component that, while seemingly minor, plays an essential role in modern safety: the rearview camera.

According to reports, some units have experienced interruptions in the transmission of the image to the center console, leaving the driver without rear visibility when parking or reversing. The NHTSA warned in its statement that “the lack of adequate rearward visibility increases the risk of collisions with pedestrians, vehicles, or stationary objects.” While no incidents or injuries directly linked to the defect have been reported, the agency considered the potential for an accident justified immediate preventative action. The recall: more than one million cars under review. The safety recall, which formally began in October 2025, covers vehicles manufactured between 2015 and 2020. It encompasses a wide range of models, from compacts to SUVs and sports cars, from both Ford and its luxury division, Lincoln. The affected models are: These vehicles include both combustion engine and hybrid versions. In all cases, the fault is related to the rear camera or its internal wiring system. Ford explained that, in some cases, the cameras may stop sending a signal due to connector fatigue or electronic defects that worsen over time and with temperature or vibration conditions.

A technical problem that impacts daily safety

Backup cameras became mandatory equipment on all new vehicles sold in the United States starting in 2018. Their objectives is to reduce pedestrian accidents or collisions during parking maneuvers. Therefore, any malfunction is taken seriously by federal regulations.According to the NHTSA investigation, the image can freeze, distort, or disappear completely, leaving the driver "blind" when reversing. The agency maintains that even if the malfunction is intermittent, it increases the risk of accidents in dense urban environments or in areas where pedestrians and cyclists circulate. Ford, for its part, indicated in its statement that the recall is preventive: "We want to ensure that our customers have complete confidence in the safety of their vehicles. This process does not imply an immediate risk, but we prefer to act in advance," the company stated. Notification Process and Free Repairs: Owners of the affected models will receive notifications by mail at the end of October 2025, with instructions on how to schedule an appointment at their nearest dealership. The service will be free, and the repairs will be covered by the warranty. manufacturer, with no deductibles or additional charges.

At dealerships, technicians will inspect the camera system and wiring. If any faults are found, the camera will be replaced immediately. In some cases, the manufacturer will also update the multimedia system software to improve connection stability.

Meanwhile, Ford recommends that owners check their vehicle's status by entering their VIN on the official NHTSA website (www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). This platform allows you to find out in seconds if your car is included in the recall and what steps to take.