Photo: JIM WATSON / AFP / Getty Images
Ford Motor Company is recalling 1.9 million vehicles globally due to a defect in the rearview cameras that may display inverted, distorted, or blank images. This issue affects various models from 2015 to 2019, including the Lincoln MKC, Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Edge, Ranger, Expedition, Econoline, Transit, and Transit Connect. The recall impacts about 1.45 million vehicles in the United States, 122,000 in Canada, and 300,000 in other regions.
The defect arises from an unauthorized change by a sub-supplier to the printed circuit board header tooling, leading to reduced terminal contact force and fretting corrosion. This can significantly impair a driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of accidents. Ford is aware of 18 accidents related to this issue but has reported no injuries. The company has also received over 44,000 warranty claims globally related to the defect.
Ford has advised vehicle owners to bring their cars to a dealership for inspection and replacement of the faulty cameras, if necessary, free of charge. The new cameras feature an improved printed circuit board header designed to prevent this issue. Letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed by September 22, with additional communication to follow once the remedy is available.
This recall is part of a series of issues concerning Ford’s rearview camera systems. In April, Ford recalled 166,000 vehicles for similar camera failures. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had previously investigated Ford for not recalling vehicles with defective rearview cameras in a timely manner, resulting in a $165 million civil penalty.