Ford Announces 15-Year Rearview Camera Extended Warranty - Does this implicate California Lemon Law?
What’s the Problem
Ford Motor Company has announced a 15-year extended warranty covering defective rearview cameras on a wide range of vehicles. The decision comes amid reports of persistent issues where rearview camera displays would distort, freeze, or go completely blank while reversing—creating a potential safety hazard. The problem mirrors earlier recalls issued by Ford and Lincoln for similar camera malfunctions that violated federal rear visibility requirements.
The extension applies to vehicles not already included in existing recalls, broadening coverage to additional model years and trims. Ford stated that the program is designed to give owners “peace of mind” and long-term protection against recurring camera failures, though it also comes after multiple federal investigations into Ford’s handling of safety recalls.
Allegations
Federal regulators previously cited Ford for delayed recall actions and inadequate reporting related to rearview camera defects. In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) imposed civil penalties against Ford totaling more than $165 million for failures to timely address camera malfunctions and other safety-related defects.
Many Ford owners have since filed complaints describing intermittent or complete loss of the backup camera image. Some reported that dealerships replaced cameras or wiring harnesses multiple times without permanent resolution. The new 15-year warranty suggests Ford is acknowledging that the problem may persist well beyond normal warranty limits.
Recall/TSB
According to reports, Ford’s expanded warranty covers more than two dozen models produced between 2015 and 2020, specifically:
2016 Ford Fusion
2015-2019 Ford Flex
2015-2016 Ford Escape
2019 Ford Fiesta
2015-2016 Ford Taurus
2019-2019 Ford Taurus
2015-2016 Ford C-Max
2020 Ford Mustang
2015 Ford Explorer
2015 Lincoln MKZ
The extended coverage applies only to the camera system itself, not to other vehicle components. Owners are advised to verify coverage through Ford’s official VIN lookup tool or by contacting their dealership directly. In addition, multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) have been issued to address image distortion and software calibration issues linked to these systems.
Symptoms
Owners typically report one or more of the following:
Rearview camera image freezing or going blank when the vehicle is placed in reverse
Display flickering or showing distorted colors
“Camera unavailable” warnings appearing intermittently
Delayed activation of the reverse camera display
While the extended warranty provides long-term repair coverage, these issues may still meet the definition of a “substantial impairment” under the California Lemon Law if repeated repair attempts have failed to fix the defect.
How to Proceed
If your Ford’s rearview camera continues to malfunction despite repair attempts, keep detailed service records and note the mileage and repair orders associated with each visit. A defect that compromises visibility or safety—particularly if it persists after multiple repair attempts—may qualify under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
Document Issues: Keep all work orders, service invoices, and communication with Ford or your dealer. Ensure your complaint about the camera issue is clearly described on each work order.
Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: Generally, if a problem continues after four or more visits for the same issue, or if the vehicle has been out of service for more than 30 days cumulatively, it may qualify as a lemon.
Monitor Symptoms: Continue to watch for intermittent or distorted camera behavior and document when and under what conditions it occurs.
Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law: If your Ford dealer cannot permanently resolve the issue, you may be entitled to relief under California’s Lemon Law. Remedies can include a repurchase of your vehicle, a replacement vehicle, or a negotiated cash settlement.
Protect Your Rights Under California Lemon Law
Unfortunately, Ford has taken advantage of California’s “new” lemon law, AB 1755 and Civil Code section 871.20 et seq. Because of these changes, vehicles purchased in California more than six years may no longer qualify for lemon law protections. If this concerns you, consider contacting your local state representative to express your disappointment that California’s lemon law has been weakened. Senator Tom Umberg was critical in this erosion of California consumer rights, along with Assembly Member Ash Kalra. You can contact them below:
https://sd34.senate.ca.gov/contact
https://a25.asmdc.org/contact-ash
https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/