Ford Rearview Camera Recall 2026: Explorer, Navigator, and Lincoln SUVs Affected by ADAS Failure
What’s the Problem
Ford has issued a significant safety recall affecting hundreds of thousands of Ford and Lincoln SUVs due to a defect that can disable both the rearview camera and key driver-assistance systems. The issue is tied to the vehicle’s Image Processing Module (IPMA), which handles input from forward-facing cameras and supports multiple safety features.
When this system malfunctions, drivers may lose access to the rearview camera when reversing, along with advanced safety systems such as pre-collision assist and lane-keeping functions. Because these systems are integrated, a single failure can affect multiple safety features at once. This creates a situation where a driver may unknowingly operate a vehicle without critical visibility and collision-avoidance tools.
Allegations
According to reports submitted in connection with the recall, the defect involves software instability within the IPMA system. Under certain driving conditions—particularly when the system is processing large amounts of visual data—the module may reset or fail altogether.
These failures can cause the rearview camera image to disappear or prevent it from activating when the vehicle is placed in reverse. At the same time, several ADAS features may become unavailable without warning.
From a legal perspective, this type of defect is significant. It does not involve a minor inconvenience or isolated component. Instead, it impacts federally required safety equipment and systems that are designed to prevent accidents. A defect of this nature is typically considered one that substantially impairs the safety, use, and value of the vehicle.
Recall / TSB
The recall impacts multiple late-model vehicles, including the 2025 Ford Explorer, 2025 Lincoln Aviator, 2024 to 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, and 2022 through 2025 Lincoln Navigator.
Ford has identified the root cause as a software-related issue within the IPMA system that can lead to unexpected resets. When this occurs, the camera system and associated safety features may shut down temporarily or remain inoperable until serviced.
The proposed remedy is a software update, which is expected to be performed either at the dealership or through an over-the-air update, depending on the vehicle. Owner notifications began rolling out in early 2026.
Symptoms
Owners have reported a range of issues that may indicate the presence of this defect. In some cases, the rearview camera simply fails to display when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. In others, the image may appear intermittently or cut out unexpectedly.
Drivers may also notice warning messages indicating that camera-based systems are unavailable. These can include alerts related to front camera faults, lane-keeping system deactivation, or pre-collision assist becoming unavailable. In more severe situations, multiple safety systems may shut down simultaneously, often without clear explanation.
What makes this defect particularly concerning is its unpredictability. A vehicle may function normally for a period of time and then suddenly lose multiple safety features during operation.
How to Proceed
Document Issues: Keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with the manufacturer. While at the dealership, ensure that all of your complaints are noted in the work order that you receive when you first drop off your vehicle.
Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: While the law doesn't specify an exact number, generally, if the same problem persists after four or more repair attempts, or if the vehicle is out of service for more than 30 days cumulatively, it may qualify as a "lemon."
Monitor Symptoms: If your rearview camera fails, warning lights appear, or safety systems deactivate, stop driving when appropriate and have the vehicle inspected. Make sure each incident is documented.
Contact Valero Law: If repairs do not resolve the issue, or if the problem continues to return, you may be entitled to relief under California law. Remedies can include a repurchase of the vehicle or a cash settlement.
Call Valero Law
If you own a Ford or Lincoln SUV experiencing rearview camera failures or ADAS malfunctions, you may have a valid lemon law claim under California law.
Valero Law, APC focuses exclusively on helping consumers with defective vehicles. If your vehicle cannot be fixed within a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to:
A full vehicle repurchase
A replacement vehicle
Or significant financial compensation
Call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete our free Lemon Law case evaluation today. Cases are handled on a contingency basis, so there is no cost to you unless we recover for you.