Backup Camera Recall Resolution

[SteveS]

Just got the official letter from Ford about the Backup Camera Recall which has had no resolution for so long.

They've changed it from a recall to a Customer Satisfaction Program, with program number 25N17.

Basically it says that if there's nothing wrong with your backup camera function, then there is nothing to do. BUT for 15 years from the start of your car's warranty (when it was initially purchased from Ford) IF you experience any of the specified problems with your backup camera, Ford will replace the backup camera for free.

If you experience any of the symptoms, contact a Ford dealer to have it inspected, but parts will not be available until October 2026. You need to mention the program number 25N17 to the dealer to get the service. The symptoms they will accept are:

1. Camera stops working
2. Blank or distorted image on the dash display when in reverse
3. Message that rear view camera is unavailable on the dash display

The program is available to any owner within the time period of 15 years, even if you don't get the letter.

If you do receive the letter, it is recommended to keep it to remind you of the condition and the program number. If you sell your car you should pass it on to the new owner.

 

[anxiouz]

Thanks! Is it this type of letter? https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2026/MC-11030282-0002.pdf

My backup camera doesn't activate when I go in reverse, the display just stays where it is (in Carplay or Sync, doesn't matter). I guess that might be #1? Everything I've read seems to say the display will show an error message or a bad picture of some kind, but I haven't seen mention of not engaging at all. I replaced my camera last weekend and still nothing so I suspect it's my wiring somewhere along the journey from hatch to head unit.

 

[SteveS]

No. That looks more like the kind of letter that goes to dealers. The letter you'll get if you're on the mailing list is more personal. It has your vehicle's VIN at the beginning, is addressed to you personally, and has no tables and charts, just dumb-level explanation of the problem, the fix, and how to go about it.

In your case, I think I'd lean towards condition 1, "Camera stops working" when you call the dealer. I suppose the downside is that they might try to charge you if all that was wrong is they have to plug in a loose connector when they examine it.

My suspicion is that there were a handful of problems that prompted the initial recall notice, but in the interim there haven't been any more problems noted. But now they've had some replacement cameras manufactured and can fix any problems out there.

 

[anxiouz]

Got it, thank you very much