Ford and Lincoln are recalling about 1.5 million vehicles because of a manufacturing error in its backup camera that could lead to blank, distorted, or upside-down images.
As a result, there have been 18 crashes, 195 owner complaints, and 44,123 warranty claims, but no injuries related to the issue, according to documents provided by Ford to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). [1]
Owners will be contacted by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer where it will be assessed and, if needed, the backup camera will be replaced. The visit and repairs are free of charge.
This latest recall follows one previously announced in May 2025 when Ford recalled more than one million vehicles due to a software issue that could cause the backup camera to delay, freeze, or fail to display when reversing. That earlier issue was to be addressed with an over-the-air update, with notifications starting June 16. [2]
Now, many of the same vehicles will need to have the cameras replaced.
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How to know if your car is under recall
If a safety-related recall is issued, automakers are required by law to notify registered owners and purchasers by first-class mail, explaining the issue and its potential risk, according to the NHTSA. [3]
If you don’t receive a letter but suspect your vehicle might be affected, you can contact your dealer or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or 800-424-9393.
You can also check with the manufacturer directly. For example, Ford allows you to search recalls initiated since Jan. 1, 2004 with your vehicle identification number (VIN).
Another easy way to check is by visiting the NHTSA website at www.safercar.gov/vin, where you can search for recalls that apply to your vehicle by entering your license plate number or VIN. You can also sign up for alerts related specifically to your vehicle on the SaferCar app or general recall alerts by email.
By law, “the manufacturer may choose to repair the vehicle at no charge; replace the vehicle with an identical or similar vehicle; or refund the purchase price in full, minus a reasonable allowance for depreciation,” according to the NHTSA.
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What to do if your vehicle is recalled
If you receive a recall letter, it will explain the issue, any safety hazards it poses and what steps to take to remedy the issue.
But you don’t need an official letter; if you call your dealer or check the SaferCar app and discover your model is affected by the recall, you’re still eligible for a free repair.
And, if you’ve already repaired the issue on your own, then you may qualify for a refund.
You can then book an appointment to have the issue repaired at your earliest convenience. Keep in mind there’s no requirement for the dealership to provide a loaner car if the repair is going to take a long time.
You could choose to ignore a recall, but this can result in rejected insurance claims and/or increased insurance rates. Plus, there’s the potential of injury or even death if the issue poses a safety hazard — and possible legal issues if you injure someone else as a result of not addressing the issue. [4]
You can, however, sell a used car with an open recall and you don’t have to disclose this to buyers. So, if you’re buying a used car, you may want to run the VIN through the SaferCar app and find out if there are any outstanding issues.
The recent Ford recall is a reminder that backup cameras are a helpful tool — not a substitute for turning your head and checking your surroundings.
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Article sources
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[1]. Consumer Reports. “Ford and Lincoln Recall Nearly 1.5 Million More Cars, SUVs, and Trucks to Fix Backup Cameras.”
[2]. The Associated Press. “Ford recalls more than a million vehicles for software glitch that makes rearview camera unreliable.”
[3]. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “Motor Vehicle Safety Defects And Recalls.”
[4]. State Farm. “What to do if your car is recalled”
This article originally appeared on Moneywise.com under the title: Nearly 1.5M cars recalled after faulty rear view cameras linked to 18 crashes and 44,123 warranty claims
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.