Over 51,000 Ford and Lincoln SUVs Recalled for Backup Camera Problems

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

100% of 51,689 vehicles are estimated to be affected by a 2025 Ford and Lincoln Rearview Camera Recall.

This recall impacts the 2021-2022 Ford Edge, 2020-2023 Ford Explorer, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator models.

These vehicles may experience a problem where the camera displays distorted or blank images when the vehicle is in reverse.

This issue persists even after a previous Ford Backup Camera Recall and software update that was intended to resolve it.

The problem traces back to a previous software update that did not completely fix the issue, leaving the backup camera display showing either distorted or blank images when the vehicle is in reverse.

Affected owners will need to bring their vehicles to a dealership to receive the new, corrected software update.

What’s Wrong with the Ford Backup Camera?

Ford’s records indicate that certain affected vehicles did not receive the correct software update for a previous Ford Backup Camera recall despite being recorded as having had the repair completed.

As a result, the underlying issue may persist, causing the rear camera to intermittently display either a blue screen or a completely black image on the SYNC display when the vehicle is placed in reverse or when the 360-degree camera view is activated during low-speed maneuvers.

The safety risk identified in Safety Recall 23S23/23V342 remains for these affected vehicles, with Ford describing the risk as the “loss of rear camera image while in reverse, which increases the risk of a crash.”

On November 26, 2024, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) became aware of an issue involving incomplete software updates related to the recall.

The problem was initially identified in a Quality Office forum, where an audit of software part numbers applied to vehicles remedied under a sample of field service actions (FSAs) was requested.

By December 2024, Ford assembled a cross-functional team to audit all software FSAs that used the FDRS service tool, with a primary focus on safety and compliance-related FSAs.

On December 19, 2024, Ford informed NHTSA of the issue. While most vehicles had the correct software installed, some vehicles were found to have mismatched software, which did not address the safety defect.

In January 2025, the team created a database to track software lineage part numbers for all previously launched FSAs.

The team then began auditing the software status of every affected vehicle. By February 27, 2025, the audit of Safety Recall 23S23 was completed, confirming that 85.7% of the repairs had been done with the correct software.

The team identified specific vehicles that had received the remedy but were still affected by the defect.

Is My Ford or Lincoln Included?

The recall impacts the following Ford and Lincoln SUVs:

• 2021-2022 Ford Edge
• 2020-2023 Ford Explorer
• 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair
• 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator

These vehicles may experience issues with the backup cameras, including distorted or blank images or an error message when reversing.

To find out if your Ford or Lincoln is part of the recall, you can use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup tool provided by Ford and Lincoln. Follow these steps:

1. Locate Your VIN: Your VIN is usually located on the lower left side of the dashboard, on the driver’s side door frame, or in your vehicle registration.
2. Visit the Recall Lookup Websites:
   1. For Ford vehicles, go to the Ford Recall Page.
   1. For Lincoln vehicles, visit the Lincoln Recall Page.
3. Enter Your VIN: Input your VIN into the search tool to check if your vehicle is included in the recall.

You can also check your vehicle’s recall status using the NHTSA Recall Lookup Tool by entering your VIN. If your vehicle is affected, you’ll receive instructions on how to proceed with the necessary repairs.

It’s always a good idea to contact your local dealership for additional assistance and to schedule any required service.

What’s Ford’s Fix?

Ford’s solution for the backup camera issue involves updating the software of the Image Processing Module in the affected vehicles.

This update is designed to resolve the problem where the backup camera might display distorted or blank images when the vehicle is in reverse.

Owners of these vehicles will need to bring their vehicles to a dealership to complete the software update.

Dealers are instructed to use a service tool to upload the latest software from Ford to the vehicle. In some cases, however, the service tool did not upload the correct software, necessitating this recall to ensure the proper update is applied.

Have There Been Other Related Ford Backup Camera Recalls?

Yes, there have been multiple recalls related to Ford backup cameras in recent years.

A major recall took place in September 2020, affecting over 620,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to defective rearview cameras that sometimes displayed blank screens.

This recall included popular models such as the 2020 Ford Edge, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Mustang, Ranger, and Transit, as well as the Lincoln Corsair and Nautilus.

In November 2024, Ford agreed to pay a $165 million penalty to the government for delays in addressing these issues.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determined that Ford had violated federal regulations by failing to issue a timely recall and neglecting to submit required quarterly reports.

More recently, in February 2025, Ford recalled over 80,300 vehicles, including the 2021 Ford Expedition, 2021-2022 Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, and the 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, due to ongoing backup camera problems.

Legal Options for Affected Owners

Affected owners will be notified by mail and instructed to bring their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealership for a SYNC 4 software update.

After the update, the software part numbers will be validated using the Software Validation Form in the Professional Technician System before the Field Service Action (FSA) is closed. This service will be provided at no cost to the vehicle owner.

For drivers who have experienced ongoing issues or faced significant inconvenience due to the faulty backup cameras, it’s important to keep detailed records of repair attempts, communications with the dealership, and any associated expenses.

These records are crucial when pursuing a lemon law claim, which could help you recover costs or even secure a vehicle buyback if the issue remains unresolved.

If you believe your vehicle qualifies for a lemon law claim, consulting with a lemon law attorney can provide valuable insight into your legal options.

Lemon law attorneys can guide you through the process, helping you understand the potential for a settlement or other remedies available for your situation.

Here’s a look at the average lemon law settlements for vehicles included in this recall:

*Please be advised that the figures depicted in the chart are estimates that are derived from previous case results and should not be considered a guarantee or prediction. Each case is distinctive and necessitates tailored legal counsel.

Get in Touch with the Lemon Law Experts Now!

Vehicle defects, especially those related to safety features like backup cameras, can pose significant risks to drivers.

If your Ford or Lincoln vehicle is affected by the 2025 backup camera recall and continues to experience issues, you may be eligible for compensation under lemon law protections.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we have been helping vehicle owners seek justice for defective cars since 2009, securing millions in compensation.

If your Ford or Lincoln model, such as the 2021-2022 Ford Edge or 2020-2023 Ford Explorer, is still experiencing problems with its backup camera despite the recall, we’re here to help.

We offer a free case evaluation, so don’t hesitate to reach out and have your situation reviewed. Taking action now can help you get the resolution you deserve.

Contact us today and take the first step toward addressing your lemon law case.