US government scrutinizes recent Ford rearview camera recall

US government scrutinizes recent Ford rearview camera recall

August 27, 2021 Rebecca Rand ,

Washington, DC – August 27, 2021 – The arm of the U.S. government that regulates vehicle safety is conducting an investigation to determine whether Ford (NYSE:F) timely and adequately handled a recent recall related to faulty rearview cameras.

The investigation is examining all models included in the original Ford recall of 620,246 cars, which launched in September of last year:

  • Ford F series trucks, including the 2020 Ford F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD trucks
  • 2020 Ford Explorer SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Mustang vehicles
  • 2020 Ford Transit vans
  • 2020 Ford Expedition SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Escape  SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Ranger trucks
  • 2020 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2020 Lincoln Nautilus crossovers
  • 2020 Lincoln Corsair compact SUVs

Summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on August 3 to evaluate the “timeliness and scope” of Ford’s recall process, as well as whether the company complied with all the reporting requirements mandated by law. 

Prior to the investigation and the original September recall, NHTSA received 14 complaints alleging rearview camera malfunction on Escape, Lincoln Corsair and F-150 vehicles. It is not clear whether these vehicles were included in the original recall or what specifically prompted the regulator to open the investigation.

Long wait for repairs

Owners, however, have been complaining about long wait-times for repairs, and several drivers allege that their Fords have identical backup camera problems, but their vehicle was not included in the recall. Both sets of complaints point to potential issues with Ford’s ability to offer repairs to all the right cars in a timely manner.

The parts for some of the vehicles included in the original recall were on the back order as recently as this month, despite the fact that Ford announced that the repair was available last November.

Vehicle ‘full of gremlins’

At least one owner alleged that the failure of the backup camera system also caused “the forward-collision warning [turn] on by itself, ​​causing the vehicle” to abruptly stop in the middle of the road. Another driver succinctly summarized the issues he or she was having by stating that the vehicle was “full of gremlins” and needed to be “heavily watched.”

Next steps

NHTSA will investigate whether the recall needs to be expanded or adjusted. The agency did not disclose how long this process is expected to take. If NHTSA decides the recall took too long or failed to include all the cars in need of repairs, it may issue fines against Ford.

Original recall

The original recall concerned the back-up camera display, which would sometimes go blank and fail to show drivers what was behind the car, as reported. As of July 23, 2021, close to 289,000 recalled vehicles were repaired, according to information provided to NHTSA by Ford.

Other Ford recalls

In April 2020, the company recalled Ford Rangers because the gear position display may be inaccurate, which could cause a crash. The company recalled Ford Mustangs five months later over an issue with faulty brake pedals.

In 2019 and 2020, there were six 2020 F-150 Ford recalls –  apart from the one that is being investigated – including one “reduced seat back strength” and faulty daytime lights, according to NHTSA records.

Is your vehicle part of this recall or a future recall?

Over 620,000 vehicles are implicated in NHTSA’s investigation into Ford. Check back for any updates using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandUS government scrutinizes recent Ford rearview camera recall
Ford recalls vehicles with distorted rearview camera image

Ford recalls vehicles with distorted rearview camera image

November 4, 2020 Ken Boyd ,

Pleasanton, CA – September 23 2020 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has recalled 620,246 vehicles with rearview cameras that may display a “distorted or blank” image.  The recall includes:

  • 2020 Ford F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F 550 SD trucks
  • 2020 Ford Explorer SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Mustang vehicles
  • 2020 Ford Transit vans
  • 2020 Ford Expedition SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Escape  SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Ranger trucks
  • 2020 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2020 Lincoln Nautilus crossovers
  • 2020 Lincoln Corsair compact SUVs

Recall summary  

Due to a poor “electrical connection,”  the backup cameras can show a distorted image to the driver. The culprit is the printed circuit board within the vehicle that connects electrical components.

As a result,  the vehicles do not meet the federal requirements that require them to display a “field of view” to the driver before  backing up.

Risks 

A driver who cannot see the rearview camera display may run into a person or an object behind them. In fact, back-up cameras became mandatory after two-year old Cameron Gulbransen was tragically killed by a backing up SUV that could not “see” him. 

Prior to the passage of the related act in 2007, around 284 people were killed and injured around 12,000 in back-up crashes annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the rearview camera.  The recall  will  begin on November 7 and the replacement – once available – is free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 620,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool.

Ken BoydFord recalls vehicles with distorted rearview camera image
Ford Motor Company Recalls Certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Vehicles

Ford Motor Company Recalls Certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Vehicles

January 6, 2020 Sean Reyes ,

Laguna Hills, CA – Dec. 11, 2019 – Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The issue involves the protective casing over the vapor fuel line. The line’s protective casing is at risk of chafing through the plastic liquid fuel line over time, causing a fuel leak.

The potential number of units affected is estimated at 3,857.

The Defect

Ford believes that certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles possess the affected vapor lines. Due to a logistical error, several vehicles were stocked with an older version of the vapor line casings that were not appropriate for the parts in question. Over time, these incorrect protective casings can erode the underlying fuel line, causing fuel to leak. If this fuel comes in contact with the high temperature engine compartment, it can ignite, posing a serious danger to operators and passengers of a vehicle, as well as damaging the car itself. Leaking fuel can also interfere with the operation of other components and contribute to corrosion in the engine housing.

Timeline of Events

On December 4, 2019, Ford Motor Company discovered a defect in certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The next day, they notified all Ford and Lincoln dealers about the issue and stopped all deliveries and sales of the affected vehicles. Vehicles that had been stocked with the incorrect convolute covering were identified during the review of manufacturing plant records. Later, on December 12, they released a public recall notice regarding the issue. Instructions were provided to retailers on the proper replacement procedures for the affected fuel line covers.

The Solution

Plans for the removal and replacement process of the incorrect convolute covers have not been finalized. Ford recommends that owners do not operate their vehicles. Owners will be notified of the danger through mail regarding both the danger and when repair and removal services become available for the issue. Dealers will be provided with the necessary replacement parts. If a Ford vehicle is found to possess this protective casings, the casings will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin late in the first quarter of 2020. Owners and retailers will be notified once the recall commences.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesFord Motor Company Recalls Certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Vehicles
Recall Announced on Certain 2020 Ford Explorer Vehicles

Recall Announced on Certain 2020 Ford Explorer Vehicles

October 16, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Oct. 10, 2019 – The Ford Motor Company announced a recall on 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines due to improperly secured wiring harnesses. According to the manufacturer, this defect could lead to a damaged wiring harness or a damaged air-conditioning belt drive, creating the possibility of “a short circuit and potential fire”.

The Defect

According to documents filed by Ford with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the defect was caused by improperly secured wiring harnesses that were used in production between May 28 and July 19, 2019.

“The wiring harness is not secured and may contact the air conditioning pulley, resulting in a damaged wiring harness or damaged A/C drive belt,” read the safety recall report. “If the wiring harness is not secured properly, the harness may inadvertently contact the air conditioning pulley. Over time, contact with the A/C pulley may rub through the wire harness insulation creating the potential for contact with the unused B+ circuit [and] resulting in a short circuit and potential fire.”

Ford has announced that 10,655 vehicles are involved in the recall, all of which are believed to contain the defect.

Timeline of Events

The first notice of the potential problem came in early July 2019, when a vehicle quality inspection at a Ford facility revealed two vehicles with a loose wiring harness. Ford stopped shipping of any vehicle models potentially including the same defect, and began inspecting vehicles at numerous other facilities in search of the root cause.

In August, Ford identified reports of loose wiring harnesses in vehicles already sold, “with customers reporting the wrench light and traction control lights were illuminated in the instrument panel.” On Sept. 23, the manufacturer’s field review committee reviewed the subject and approved the field action, made official in a letter to the NHTSA dated Oct. 4, 2019.

The Solution

Owners of vehicles involved in the recall will be notified by mail in late October 2019, with messages instructing them to bring their vehicle to an authorized dealership to have the defect repaired. Dealers will complete such repairs in-house at no cost, by installing a tie strap to the wiring harness. Those with further questions may contact Ford’s customer service line at (866) 436-7332, or the NHTSA line at (888) 327-4236.

For more information on vehicle recalls announced by Ford or other major automobile manufacturers, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesRecall Announced on Certain 2020 Ford Explorer Vehicles
Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviators Recalled Over Missing Covers

Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviators Recalled Over Missing Covers

August 21, 2019 Sean Reyes ,

Laguna Hills, CA – Aug. 21, 2019 – Ford Motor Company is recalling over 14,100 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator sport utility vehicles after discovering that some of the models may be missing a piece that goes over the manual park release component. When this cover is missing, it can increase the risk of the lever being unintentionally manipulated, which could cause the SUV to move from its parked position and crash.

Given that most of the affected Explorers are in inventory, the 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator recall action primarily impacts the automaker’s dealerships. When this action will take place has yet to be determined.

The Defect

In a release made available on the company’s website, Ford plans to recall a combined 14,135 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs over the possibility that the manual park release component may be missing its cover. This is in violation of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Under normal circumstances, these covers should only be removable with a tool.

Additionally, Ford noted that the problematic Explorers and Aviators may have settings that remain in factory mode that could prevent the accurate display of gear positions when manipulated by the operator of the vehicle. These positions are represented by a letter ( “P” for Park, “R” for Reverse, “N” for Neutral, etc.). The display of these gear positions is also required by law under the FMVSS.

Timeline of Events

Automakers typically coordinate with the NHTSA for car safety recalls. However, given the recency of this announcement – Aug. 7 – the associated documentation detailing when Ford first learned of these issues was not available.

It’s been a busy summer for Ford recalls, as the Dearborn, Michigan-based brand has pulled from the marketplace hundreds of thousands of vehicles unrelated to the 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator recall. For instance, in late July, approximately 7,579 Ford Rangers were pulled from the marketplace because of seat belt functionality issues that prevented the belt buckle from latching. Additionally, 57,500 Ford Focus and Focus ST sedans were recalled over defective engine software.

A month earlier, Ford announced the recall of 1.1 million Explorers – from model years ranging between 2011 and 2017 – due to a rear suspension system flaw affecting the toe links. In all of these instances, the vehicles were recalled because the problems risked riders’ safety.

While the chronology of events leading up to the 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator has yet to be determined, what is known is where the potentially flawed models were built and where. The vehicles were put together at one of the automaker’s Chicago-based locations between March 27 and July 24 for the Explorer, and April 10 and July 24 for the Lincoln Aviator.

Ford said it’s unaware of any consumer crashes or injuries stemming from this flaw but also stated there was an incident that led to cosmetic damage, which occurred at some point during the manufacturing process. No workers were hurt.

The Ford Explorer is one of the nameplate’s longest-running model types, introduced back in 1990. Lincoln Aviator is also a veteran model but first hit the showroom floor roughly a decade later in 2002.

The Solution

Ford Motor Company is in the process of informing dealerships that may have received some of these potentially compromised vehicles. Dealers will examine the manual park release to see if the cover is missing and whether the PRNDL gear positions remain in factory mode.

For more information on this or any other automotive safety recall, enter your 17-digit vehicle identification number at MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesFord Explorer, Lincoln Aviators Recalled Over Missing Covers
Recall Lookup
Enter your vehicle(s) below to check the current recall status.

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories