Recall 25V161 covers 4,721 2025 Ford Escape vehicles with an inverted rearview camera image. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 4,721 2025 Escape vehicles because the rearview camera can show an inverted image when the vehicle is in reverse. That image does not accurately show what is behind the vehicle, increasing crash or injury risk, and Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear view camera on the 2025 Ford Escape is the small camera mounted at the back of the vehicle. When you shift into reverse, it sends a live image to the center display so you can see the area behind the SUV. The system is supposed to show that image in the correct orientation, matching the direction of travel while backing up.
On affected Escapes, the camera contains a printed circuit board assembly, the electronic board that processes the camera image, built with software meant for a different model variant. That software can flip the rear view image upside down when the vehicle is in reverse. An inverted image gives the driver wrong visual information at the moment they are using the screen to judge distance and direction.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue shows up when the Escape is in reverse and the rear camera image appears inverted instead of correctly oriented.
Who's affected?
| 2025 Ford Escape | Camera |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 4,721 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An inverted rearview camera image shows the area behind the Escape incorrectly, which increases the risk of backing into another vehicle, object, or person. Use mirrors and direct checks before reversing, and schedule the camera inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025 Ford Escape is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free rearview-camera inspection and replacement that fixes the inverted image while backing up.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 25V161 when you call.
- Use extra care when backing up until the repair is complete; check mirrors and look behind the vehicle instead of relying only on the camera.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the rearview camera on the 2025 Escape and replaces it if the camera needs replacement. Parts and labor are covered under recall 25V161. If you already paid out of pocket for a rearview camera repair tied to this condition, Ford's general reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork to the service desk or contact Ford customer service about the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 14, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 19, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| March 19, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 28, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 28, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V161?
Recall 25V161 covers 4,721 2025 Ford Escape vehicles with a rearview camera that can show an inverted image in reverse. That image does not accurately show what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
What should I do if my 2025 Ford Escape is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Escape is included in recall 25V161. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the rearview camera inspection. The dealer will replace the camera if needed, and the repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford says dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary free of charge at any franchised Ford dealer.
Is it safe to drive my Ford Escape with this recall?
Use extra care when backing up until the repair is complete. The recall concern is an inverted rearview camera image, which does not accurately show what is behind the vehicle and increases the risk of a crash or injury.
When did Ford notify owners about recall 25V161?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on March 28, 2025. If you bought the Escape used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference Ford recall number 25C08 when you call a Ford dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V161000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V161 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V161000 |
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 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →