Ford Recalls 254,640 SUVs Over Rearview Camera Software Failure Safety systems including blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist can go dark without warning
Ford Motor Company is recalling 254,640 SUVs in the United States after a software bug was found that can turn off the rearview camera and key safety features while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall, which covers select Lincoln and Ford Explorer models sold between 2022 and 2025.
Why This Matters
Rearview cameras are required by law in every new car sold in the U.S. When the camera fails along with driver-assist tools like lane-keeping and blind-spot alerts, drivers lose important layers of crash protection. This recall shows how deeply modern vehicles depend on software — and how a single glitch can create a safety risk.
Which Vehicles Are Affected
The recall covers four Ford and Lincoln models:
- 2025 Ford Explorer
- 2024–2025 Lincoln Nautilus
- 2022–2025 Lincoln Navigator
- 2025 Lincoln Aviator
All four models share the same Image Processing Module A (IPMA) — a piece of software that handles camera and safety system signals. NHTSA said this module can “unexpectedly reset,” which causes a chain of failures inside the vehicle.
What Happens When the Software Resets
When the IPMA resets, drivers may lose access to several safety tools at once. These include the rearview camera image, pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Losing these systems reduces a driver’s ability to spot hazards, and NHTSA said it raises the risk of a crash.
Drivers may see warning messages on the dashboard display, such as “Front Camera Fault,” “Pre-Collision Assist Not Available,” or “Lane-Keeping System Off.” The blind-spot indicator lights may also turn on without reason.
How Ford Will Fix the Problem
Ford said the fix is free. Owners have two options. They can take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealership for a software update to the Image Processing Module A. Or they can receive the same update wirelessly through an over-the-air (OTA) download — no dealership visit needed.
Ford said it is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fires connected to this defect.
When Owners Will Be Notified
Ford plans to mail recall notification letters to affected owners starting March 30, 2026. The official recall number is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) covered under this recall will be searchable on NHTSA’s website starting March 25, 2026.
Owners with questions can call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Background: Ford’s Recent Run of Recalls
This recall comes less than a month after Ford recalled more than 4 million vehicles over a separate software problem. That earlier recall involved tail lights and turn signals that could stop working across a wide range of trucks, vans, and SUVs from model years 2022 to 2026. The back-to-back recalls point to growing challenges carmakers face as software plays a bigger role in vehicle safety systems.
What Happens Next
Owners of affected vehicles should watch for Ford’s mailed notice arriving around March 30. Those who do not want to wait can check their VIN on NHTSA.gov starting March 25, or call Ford directly. If an OTA update is available for their vehicle, no dealership trip will be required.
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