Ford Motor Company has announced the recall of more than 1 million vehicles across the United States due to a software malfunction affecting the rearview camera system. The glitch, which is rooted in the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM), causes the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or fail to appear entirely when the vehicle is put in reverse. This malfunction significantly increases the risk of accidents by compromising the driver’s visibility while backing up, prompting Ford to take corrective action.
The recall covers a wide range of Ford and Lincoln models manufactured between 2021 and 2025. The affected models include popular vehicles such as the Ford F-150, Edge, Transit, Bronco, and Super Duty series (F-250 to F-600), along with the Expedition, Escape, Mustang, and Mustang Mach-E. Lincoln vehicles like the MKX, Navigator, and Corsair are also impacted. In total, 1,075,299 vehicles are affected by this safety recall.
The issue came to light following approximately 40 complaints received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with at least four of those involving persistent failure of the camera system. Ford engineers investigated the matter and replicated the issue in April 2025, confirming that a software defect in the APIM was responsible for the malfunction. While there has been one minor crash linked to the defect, no injuries have been reported.
To resolve the issue, Ford will be providing a free over-the-air (OTA) software update to fix the camera system. Vehicle owners will begin receiving notification letters by June 16, 2025, and a follow-up communication with instructions for installing the update will be sent once the remedy is fully available. For those who prefer, the software update can also be installed at authorized dealerships. Customers can refer to Ford’s recall reference number 25S49 for assistance and further information.
This latest recall comes amid a string of past issues Ford has faced with its rearview camera systems. In 2024, the company was forced to recall nearly 289,000 vehicles and paid a $165 million fine for delays in addressing a similar defect that affected more than 600,000 vehicles. With the current recall, Ford is aiming to act more swiftly and transparently to avoid further reputational damage.
The company’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to customer safety. Owners of affected vehicles are urged to check their models and ensure that they receive the necessary software update as soon as it becomes available.
