Ford has recalled nearly 1.74 million vehicles in the U.S. due to critical failures in its rearview camera displays, according to notices from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The problems, which affect a wide range of models, could significantly increase the risk of accidents.
A recall affects 849,310 units of the 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge. An internal component within the infotainment system of these vehicles can overheat and fail, preventing the rearview image from appearing when reversing.
Ford is offering a free software update for the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) to address this issue.
Separately, a second recall covers 889,950 vehicles, including certain 2020-2022 Ford Escapes and Lincoln Corsairs, along with 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviators and Explorers.
For these models, the rearview camera image may appear flipped or inverted, which can disorient drivers.
Ford estimates that all affected vehicles have these defects. Despite this, the company has not reported any injuries or accidents related to any of the recalls, according to NHTSA documents.
However, NHTSA has warned that both malfunctions could increase the risk of crashes.
For affected Bronco and Edge owners, Ford is offering a free software update for the vehicles' Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM).
Owner notification letters will be mailed at the end of the month and the solution will be available at a dealer or via an “over-the-air” update.
But a solution is still being developed for the recall affecting Escapes, Corsairs, Aviators and Explorers, this week's recall announcement notes. In the meantime, interim letters will be mailed in the coming months to notify homeowners of safety risks.
The Associated Press contacted Michigan-based Ford for further comment Saturday.
For more information, drivers can visit the NHTSA website and search for Ford online recalls using their vehicles' VIN number, or call the company's customer service line at 1-866-436-7332.
