Massive Recall Hits Ford, Lincoln: Camera Glitch Puts Drivers At Crash Risk

Ford is recalling more than 1 million vehicles in the U.S. due to a potentially dangerous software defect that could cause rearview camera displays to freeze or disappear while drivers are backing up.

At least one crash linked to the issue has been reported.

The recall includes 13 different Ford and Lincoln models that are equipped with "SYNC4" software.

Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warn that certain versions of Ford’s "infotainment" system can glitch, causing the system to reset unexpectedly, resulting in a frozen or black infotainment screen.

While a driver is backing up, the rear camera image may be "frozen, missing, or delayed," states the official recall report.

"A frozen rear-view camera display image while in reverse can create a false representation of where the vehicle is relative to its surroundings, increasing the risk of a crash."

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The issue impacts 1,075,299 vehicles, all of which are equipped with SYNC4 software versions between 1.7 and 1.9.

According to Ford, software versions below 1.7 and above 1.9 are not experiencing the same issues.

The recall includes the following vehicle lines:

• 2021–2024 Ford F-150 (527,371 vehicles)
• 2023–2024 Ford Super Duty (F-250 through F-600) (65,385)
• 2021–2024 Ford Edge (157,506)
• 2021–2024 Ford Bronco (104,394)
• 2022–2025 Ford Transit (136,968)
• 2023–2024 Ford Escape (17,909)
• 2024 Ford Ranger (3,907)
• 2023–2024 Ford Mustang (4,988)
• 2021–2023 Lincoln MKX (23,468)
• 2022–2024 Lincoln Navigator (3,612)
• 2023–2024 Lincoln Corsair (2,718)
• 2021–2023 Ford Mach-E (8,949)
• 2022–2024 Ford Expedition (18,124)

What Caused the Problem?

The issue was first brought to Ford’s attention on Jan. 17, when NHTSA submitted 37 vehicle owner questionnaires related to rear camera problems in 2021–2023 Ford F-150 trucks.

Of those 37 complaints:

• 15 alleged a frozen rear-view image while reversing
• 18 reported related SYNC or infotainment system issues
• 4 involved a loss of rearview camera image with unclear causes

Ford’s internal investigation confirmed 232 warranty claims related to the issue across all affected vehicles. On April 2 engineers were able to reproduce the failure and tie it to the SYNC4 software versions.

Is It Dangerous?

The failure can result in drivers backing up without a functioning camera, misjudging their surroundings and increasing the risk of a crash. Ford is aware of one crash linked to the issue, but no injuries have been reported.

There are no warning signs before the screen freezes, making the defect potentially dangerous.

What's the Fix?

The remedy is a free software update to SYNC4 version 2.0 or higher. Owners will be notified by mail starting June 16 and vehicles with "over the air update capabilities" can receive the fix without visiting a dealership.

Others will need to schedule an appointment at a Ford or Lincoln dealer.

If you've already paid for a repair related to this issue, you may be eligible for reimbursement under Ford's existing recall reimbursement plan.

What Should Owners Do Now?

If you drive one of the affected vehicles, you’re urged to contact your local dealer or call Ford’s hotline at 1-866-436-7332 to confirm if your car is included and whether an over-the-air update is available.

The recall is registered under Ford Recall Number 25S49 and NHTSA Recall Number 25V315.