Ford is forced to recall 200k cars over deadly defect as uncertainty swirls over carmarker’s future

FORD is pulling over 200,000 vehicles off the road due to a dangerous glitch tied to backup cameras, and it’s not the first time.

The problem could cause cameras to go blank or freeze, heightening the risk of collisions and sparking fresh safety fears.

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Ford is recalling over 200,000 vehicles due to a software glitch that can cause rearview cameras to freeze or go blank (stock image)[/caption]

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Ford will update the software for free and notify owners by mail starting July 28 (stock image)[/caption]

The impacted vehicles were sold across the US, according to federal regulators.

A recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirms that 200,061 Ford and Lincoln models are affected.

A faulty software update is to blame for the issue, which may leave drivers without a view of what’s behind them.

In an email to The U.S. Sun, Ford confirmed that the issue stems from an error in its SYNC 3 software.

Worse, some cars may keep showing the same frozen image even after switching out of reverse, according to Ford.

Both situations could increase crash risks, particularly in tight or busy spaces.

The automaker warned that a blank or frozen screen could distract the driver or reduce visibility.

Vehicles impacted include models from as far back as 2018 and as recent as 2024.

The recall spans popular names like the F-150 pickup, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco Sport, and Escape.

It also includes Lincoln models such as the Navigator, Corsair, Continental, Aviator, and Nautilus.

The software error can either cause the screen to go blank while in reverse or keep the rear camera display on after backing up.

The company said it’s aware of 1,326 warranty claims and three minor crashes potentially linked to the glitch, but no injuries have been reported.

Customers will be notified by mail, with letters expected to be sent out by July 28.

Owners can bring their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the software updated for free.

The company urged drivers to act quickly to avoid potential injuries or crashes.

This isn’t the first time the automaker has had trouble with its camera systems.

In May, Ford recalled over a million cars over similar rearview camera problems.

In April, more than 289,000 Broncos and pickups were recalled for the same glitch.

Ford pulled 120,000 vehicles over brake fluid leaks that same month, and another 20,000 due to a control module defect.

The current recall is being tracked under NHTSA campaign number 25S72.

As the carmaker tries to fix growing safety concerns, fresh doubts are rising over Ford’s ability to manage its tech-heavy fleet.

The F-Series pickup has been the best-selling truck line in the US for decades, while the Mustang remains an icon.

FORD’S FUTURE

Ford’s rearview mirror recall comes in the wake of comments from CEO Jim Farley regarding the future of the company.

In June, Farley, 63, admitted that advancements from China – especially in electric vehicles – could push the US car company to change just so it can keep up.

“It’s the most humbling thing I have ever seen. Seventy percent of all EVs in the world, electric vehicles, are made in China,” he said.

“They have far superior in-vehicle technology. Huawei and Xiaomi are in every car.

“You get in, you don’t have to pair your phone. Automatically, your whole digital life is mirrored in the car.”

He added, “Beyond that, their cost, their quality of their vehicles is far superior to what I see in the West.

“We are in a global competition with China, and it’s not just EVs. And if we lose this, we do not have a future Ford.”

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Farley says the automaker remains committed to producing quality vehicles (stock image)[/caption]