The recall spans several popular Ford and Lincoln models from recent model years. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue stems from defects in the vehicles’ infotainment-related camera systems that can either prevent the rearview image from appearing or display it incorrectly.
The automaker says it has not received reports of injuries or accidents linked to the problem so far. Even so, safety officials warn that the malfunction could still create hazardous situations for drivers who rely on the rearview display while backing up.
Rearview Image May Disappear in Certain Ford Bronco and Edge Vehicles
One of the recalls involves 849,310 vehicles, specifically the 2021–2026 Ford Bronco and the 2021–2024 Ford Edge. In these vehicles, an internal component in the infotainment system may overheat, potentially causing the rearview camera image not to appear when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Rearview camera systems have become a key safety feature in modern vehicles, especially since U.S. regulations require them in new cars. If the display fails to activate while reversing, drivers may lose an important visual aid designed to help detect obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles behind them.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the defect is linked to the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM), which manages functions related to the vehicle’s infotainment system and camera display. If the component overheats, the system may stop transmitting the camera image to the screen.
Ford plans to address the issue through a software update to the APIM. Owners will be able to receive the update free of charge either at authorized dealerships or through an over-the-air software update. The company expects to begin notifying affected owners by mail at the end of the month, according to information reported by The Associated Press.
Second Recall Involves Flipped or Inverted Camera Images
A separate recall affects 889,950 vehicles across several Ford and Lincoln models. These include certain 2020–2022 Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles, along with 2020–2024 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer models.
In these vehicles, the rearview camera image may appear flipped or inverted when the car is shifted into reverse. According to the NHTSA, the incorrect orientation could confuse drivers because the display would not accurately represent what is happening behind the vehicle.
The problem again involves the rearview camera system connected to the vehicle’s infotainment platform. While the camera still produces an image, the orientation error may make it difficult for drivers to judge distance or direction correctly while reversing.
Unlike the first recall, a permanent fix for this issue is still under development. According to information cited by The Associated Press, Ford plans to send interim letters to vehicle owners in the coming months to inform them about the potential safety risk until a final remedy becomes available.
Ford estimates that all vehicles included in the recalls contain the defects described in the notices. Despite that estimate, regulators note that no crashes or injuries linked to the malfunction have been reported so far.
Drivers who want to check whether their vehicle is included can use their vehicle identification number on the NHTSA recall database or Ford’s online recall lookup service. Ford’s customer service line is also available for owners seeking additional information about the recall process and repair updates.
