Ford Issues Massive Recall for 1.1 Million Vehicles This Week

Ford adds yet another recall to its extensive 2025 list

Ford is recalling 1,075,299 vehicles in the U.S. over a software error that potentially prevents the rearview camera from displaying a proper live feed. More specifically, the rearview camera’s images may delay, freeze, or not display at all when affected vehicles are in reverse, according to the NHTSA’s report. The recall applies to Ford’s 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, Edge, and 2023-2024 Escape, Corsair, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-600. The 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, Lincoln Nautilus, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, and the 2022-2024 Navigator are also impacted.

A dealer or over-the-air software update will soon solve the problem with the vehicles’ accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, which serves as an operating system for a car’s dashboard. This operating system helps a vehicle’s infotainment system control programs, including but not limited to apps and navigation maps. There are no warning signs before the described rearview camera problem occurs.

Documents related to the issue report that Ford is aware of one minor crash associated with the software problem, resulting in property damage, but no injuries or deaths. The automaker was initially contacted by the NHTSA about the issue in January after receiving three dozen complaints for 2021-2023 Ford F-150 models. Potentially affected owners are scheduled to receive a notice of the recall by mail between May 19 and May 23, whereas dealers were informed of the recall on May 12. Those driving impacted models compatible with over-the-air software updates must be connected to Wi-Fi to successfully complete the remote upgrade or visit a dealer. Ford’s recall represented this week’s largest recall order, with Toyota coming in second place at 443,444 vehicles. The Michigan-based automaker also leads all manufacturers in 2025 recalls at over 50, and the gap between first and second place is significant, according to CarEdge data. 

How other automakers are stacking up in 2025 recalls

Through May 15, the Volkswagen Group has the second-highest number of recalls in 2025, at 14. General Motors and Stellantis North America are tied for the third-most at 11. Mercedes-Benz and Honda are tied for fourth with 9 recalls through May 15. Stellantis had the most recalls last year at 71. Ford models like the Explorer, Aviator, and Expedition have all undergone seatbelt recalls. The Volkswagen Group had one of the most unique recalls this year when its ID.Buzz electric van was recalled due to a third-row bench seat that was deemed too wide for the van’s number of seatbelts. Volkswagen dealers are responding by installing trim parts that reduce the rear seat’s usable width.

Final thoughts

While Stellantis dethroned Ford’s 2023 position as having the most recalls in 2024, the automaker has recaptured this undesirable status, and the competition isn’t even close this year. The Michigan-based automaker has also issued the most recalls out of any manufacturer in history, with the F-150 pickup being the model most associated with its recalls. As bad luck would have it, the truck is yet again making an appearance with its inclusion in the NHTSA’s list of vehicles potentially impacted by the rearview camera defect.