When Your Backup Camera Fails: Why Ford’s Massive Recall Matters
Ford has recently announced a recall affecting approximately 1.57 million Ford and Lincoln vehicles. The recall follows issues with rearview cameras producing inverted, distorted, or blank images—defects that threaten driver safety and violate consumer trust.
What’s Going On
Models affected include several across Ford and Lincoln between 2015–2019, such as the Mustang, Edge, Expedition, Transit, F-series (“SD” heavy-duty), Explorer, and Navigator.
As of mid-August 2025, Ford had received over 44,000 warranty claims globally related to backup cameras, and 18 collisions have been reported that were allegedly caused by the camera failures. Fortunately, no injuries have been officially reported in connection with this defect.
The root cause appears to be a change in tooling in a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) header by a sub-supplier (for Magna). This change reduced terminal contact force, which leads over time to fretting corrosion—the corrosion interferes with proper electrical contact and causes the camera image problems.
What You Need to Know
Owners of affected Ford and Lincoln vehicles should have (or will soon) receive an interim recall letter between September 22-28, 2025. Eventually, when replacement parts are available, a final recall notice will be sent. Dealerships will replace rearview cameras if necessary.
Ford has also made clear that this recall is an expansion of a prior recall related to backup cameras, meaning this issue is broader than originally anticipated.
If you are a Ford or Lincoln owner, you can call 866-436-7332 and refer to Ford recall number 25S89 to find out if your vehicle qualifies.
Legal & Safety Implications
Risk of collisions: 18 reported collisions show that this is not just an annoyance—it can be dangerous. Backup cameras are safety devices, especially in low-visibility situations.
Manufacturer responsibility: Ford and its suppliers are being held to account for changes to components (tooling, in this case) that diminish safety performance without adequate notice or testing.
Regulatory concerns: Defective safety equipment triggers obligations under federal motor vehicle safety standards. Owners may have rights under federal law, state lemon law statutes, or other consumer protection statutes.
What To Do If You’re Affected
Check if your vehicle model/year is on the recall list. If your vehicle is listed among the models cited (2015-2019 models as above), you are likely affected.
Contact your dealership to schedule the recall service. There should be no cost to you for replacing a defective backup camera under recall.
Document everything: keep all communications, appointments, and any damage or safety issues resulting from the defect.
Seek legal help if needed: if you have suffered loss, near-misses, damage, or are facing car usage issues due to this defect, it may be time to consult an attorney who handles product defects and recall cases.
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.
https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/