Ford Recalls Nearly 25,000 Super Duty Trucks for Tailgate Camera Problems

Recall summary: An estimated 5%, or 1,247, of the 24,950 recalled Ford Super Duty Trucks are expected to have problems related to the backup camera.

This new Ford Super Duty Truck Recall affects F-250, F-350, and F-450 models from the 2023 and 2024 model years.

The issue arises when water enters the tailgate camera assembly, leading to malfunctioning cameras that may display a black or blue screen or stop working altogether when the tailgate is down.

To resolve this issue, Ford is replacing the tailgate top camera, wire harness, and Tailgate Park Assist Sensor Interface Module, as well as updating the image processing module software.

Affected owners will receive notification by mail with instructions on how to schedule a free repair appointment at a Ford or Lincoln dealership.

If you own one of these trucks, we highly recommend checking your vehicle’s status and scheduling repairs as soon as possible.

What Causes the Ford Super Duty Tailgate Camera Problems?

The tailgate camera issues in Ford Super Duty trucks are primarily caused by water intrusion. Water can seep into the connection point between the camera connector and the coaxial cable, leading to corrosion and causing the Tailgate Park Assist Sensor Interface Module (TPASIM) to malfunction.

This can result in the camera displaying a black or blue screen, or failing to operate entirely when the tailgate is down.

The root causes of this problem are largely linked to connector tolerance issues and design flaws.

Specifically, the camera connector and sealing ribs on the coaxial harness were out of tolerance, which compromised the seal and allowed water to penetrate the system.

Additionally, the camera bracket design failed to account for water exposure and was not properly tested for this risk prior to production, making the system more vulnerable to defects.

The tailgate top camera, introduced during the 2023 model year for Super Duty trucks, is an optional feature on certain models.

This camera provides additional rearview images when the tailgate is down and operates separately from the primary rearview camera mounted on the tailgate.

Ford’s initial investigation identified multiple factors contributing to water ingress, including issues with component manufacturing and design.

For example, the camera connector was found to be oblong and out of tolerance, and the sealing ribs on the coaxial harness connector were misaligned.

The camera bracket, which was not designed or tested for water exposure, also contributed to the problem.

On February 25, 2024, Ford implemented a software fix to allow the Image Processing Module A (IPMA) to continue initialization, even if the tailgate top camera failed to initialize.

Initially, the analysis indicated that water intrusion at the tailgate top camera would not affect the primary rearview camera display, though containment actions were later initiated, which included installing a correctly dimensioned connector pigtail between the camera and coaxial cable to prevent further water ingress.

Is My Truck Included in the Ford Super Duty Tailgate Camera Recall?

The recall includes certain Ford Super Duty trucks from the 2023 and 2024 model years, specifically:

• Ford F-250
• Ford F-350
• Ford F-450

Symptoms of the Tailgate Camera Problem

• Black or Blue Screen: The rearview camera may show a black or blue screen when the tailgate is lowered.
• Intermittent Camera Function: The camera may function sporadically, leading to an unreliable rearview display.
• “Reverse Brake Assist Unavailable” Warning: This message may appear on the dashboard, signaling an issue with the camera system.

To check if your truck is affected by this recall, contact Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and provide Ford’s recall number, 24S663.

You can also visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) to verify if your vehicle is included.

How Will Ford Fix the SD Tailgate Camera Issue?

Ford will address the tailgate camera issue in affected Super Duty trucks by implementing the following repairs:

• Replacing the Tailgate Top Camera: The faulty camera will be replaced with an upgraded model designed and tested to prevent water intrusion.
• Replacing the Wire Harness: A new, water-resistant wire harness will be installed to ensure a secure connection to the camera.
• Replacing the Tailgate Park Assist Sensor Interface Module (TPASIM): This module, susceptible to damage from water, will be replaced with a more durable version.
• Updating the Image Processing Module Software: Ford will update the software to enhance camera functionality and reliability.

These repairs will be performed at no cost to affected vehicle owners. Ford has already started notifying owners by mail, encouraging them to contact their dealership to schedule a service appointment.

What Steps Should I Take if My Super Duty Truck Is Included?

If your Super Duty truck is part of the recall, follow these steps to get the issue resolved:

1. Verify Your VIN: Visit the Ford Recall page or use the FordPass App to enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and confirm if your truck is affected.
2. Contact Ford Customer Service: Call Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall number 24S66 to get more details and assistance.
3. Schedule a Service Appointment: Once you confirm your vehicle is affected, contact your nearest Ford or Lincoln dealership to schedule a repair appointment. All repairs will be provided at no charge.
4. Prepare for Your Appointment: Bring any recall notification letters you’ve received along with any relevant documents to your service appointment.
5. Complete the Repairs: At the dealership, technicians will replace the tailgate top camera, wire harness, and TPASIM module, and update the image processing module software.
6. Confirm the Fix: After the repairs, check that the camera system is working properly and there are no lingering issues.

Following these steps will help ensure that your truck’s tailgate camera system is fully repaired and reliable.

Repeat Repairs? Get in Touch with the Lemon Law Experts!

If you’re dealing with ongoing issues related to your tailgate camera, consulting a lemon law attorney can help you explore your options for resolution.

An experienced attorney can work directly with manufacturer, helping you secure necessary repairs, a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash compensation.

Lemon law attorneys specialize in managing all aspects of these disputes, including courtroom representation if necessary. Their goal is to protect your interests and push for a fair resolution to your engine troubles.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we are committed to helping Ford owners facing persistent engine defects.

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