Recall 24V188 affects 1,988 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles for a faulty rearview camera. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 1,988 2020 Explorer vehicles because a poor electrical connection can make the rearview camera show a blank or distorted image. That image problem reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle and raises crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The park assist camera on the 2020 Ford Explorer is the rearview camera that sends the view behind the SUV to the center display when the transmission is in reverse. It is part of the rear visibility system, so the driver can see the area directly behind the vehicle before backing up.
On affected Explorers, the electrical connection inside the rearview camera is the weak point. The female terminals in the printed circuit board header can deform when the matching male pins are inserted, which reduces the holding force needed for a steady signal. When that connection is poor, the display can intermittently show a blank or distorted image instead of the camera view. The recall remedy uses a camera part with the prior header design and adequate pin retention force.
There is no warning sign before failure. The camera can work on one backing event and then show a blank or distorted image on another, so the missing or unclear rear view is the sign the fault is happening.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Ford Explorer | Camera |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,988 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Ford Explorer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A blank or distorted rearview camera image reduces the driver's view behind the 2020 Explorer and increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the camera display problem appears, so use mirrors and direct checks, then schedule the repair. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free rearview-camera replacement that fixes the blank or distorted display.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, or reference recall number 24V188 and Ford recall 20C19 when you call.
- Use extra care when backing up until the repair is complete; turn and check behind the vehicle instead of relying only on the camera.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 if you need help finding a dealer or confirming the repair path.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the rearview camera on the 2020 Explorer. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. The repair addresses the poor electrical connection that can make the camera image go blank or distorted. Ford provided its standard reimbursement plan for owners who paid for a related repair before the recall notice. Reimbursement eligibility ended June 30, 2024, so bring prior repair documentation and ask the service desk how Ford handles the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 8, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 11, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| March 11, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 4, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 8, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 8, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V188?
Recall 24V188 covers 1,988 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles with a rearview camera connection problem. The camera can intermittently show a blank or distorted image, which reduces rear visibility and increases crash risk. Ford dealers will replace the rearview camera for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 24V188. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the rearview camera replacement. Reference Ford recall number 20C19 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this defect at no cost, and Ford says dealers will replace the rearview camera free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Ford dealer.
Is it safe to drive with this rearview camera recall?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is reduced rear visibility when the camera image is blank or distorted, which increases crash risk while backing up. Use extra care when reversing until the Ford dealer completes the free camera replacement.
When were owners notified about recall 24V188?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on April 4, 2024. If you bought the Explorer used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a Ford dealer with recall number 20C19.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V188000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V188 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V188000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →