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Campaign 25V442 Posted June 27, 2025 200,237 units

2018-2024 Ford Recall 25V442: Rearview Camera Software

Recall 25V442 covers 200,237 2018-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles for rearview camera software errors. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.

Ford is recalling 200,237 2018-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, with Explorer, F-150, Maverick, and Aviator models among them, because a software error can blank the rearview camera or leave the image on screen after reverse. A blank or lingering image reduces the driver's view or distracts the driver, increasing crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the free repair.

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What's wrong?

The affected 2018-2024 Ford vehicles use SYNC 3 software to run the center display and handle the rearview camera image. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module, or APIM, is the infotainment computer that receives the camera feed and tells the screen when to show it during backing.

In these vehicles, SYNC 3.2 R10 RC1 software has a file storage problem. Short ignition cycles interfere with the software process that compresses log files, which can use up the free space inside the APIM. Once that space is gone, the module cannot write new files correctly. The system can lock up, leaving the rearview camera screen blank or keeping the camera image on the display after backing has ended.

There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices is the camera image not appearing when shifting into reverse, or the old rear camera view staying on the screen after the backing event is over.

Who's affected?

Spans Ford and Lincoln nameplates from 2018 through 2024, all using SYNC 3 software version R10 RC1.

2021 Ford Mustang Software
2020 Ford Escape Software
2021 Ford Escape Software
2022 Ford Escape Software
2021 Ford F-250 Sd Software
Units affected200,237
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged 1326 field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

A blank rearview camera image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle. An image that stays on after shifting out of reverse distracts the driver. Both problems increase crash risk. Use mirrors and look behind you when backing up, then schedule the software update. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2024 Ford or Lincoln model is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free rearview-camera software update.
  3. Tell the dealer the software update fixes a camera screen that shows a blank image or stays on after reverse.
  4. Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V442 and Ford recall 25S72 when you call.
  5. Use extra care when backing up until the repair is complete. Turn and check behind the vehicle instead of relying only on the camera screen.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Ford technician updates the rearview camera software so the display no longer shows a blank image or keeps the rear camera view on after backing ends. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Ford uses its general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related rearview camera software repair. Bring documentation of the paid repair to the service desk, or contact Ford customer service before your appointment if you need claim instructions.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

June 27, 2025 NHTSA published the recall
July 1, 2025 Dealer notification began
July 1, 2025 Dealer notification ended
July 1, 2025 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
September 4, 2025 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 25V442?

Recall 25V442 covers 200,237 2018-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with rearview camera software that can show a blank image or keep showing the rear view after reverse ends. That can reduce rear visibility or distract the driver. Ford dealers will update the software for free.

What should I do if my 2018-2024 Ford or Lincoln vehicle is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V442. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the rearview camera software update. Reference recall number 25V442 and Ford recall number 25S72 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers will update the rearview camera software free of charge, including parts and labor tied to this recall.

What is the safety risk?

The risk is reduced rear visibility or driver distraction. A blank rearview camera image limits the driver's view behind the vehicle, and a rearview image that stays on after shifting out of reverse can distract the driver. Both conditions increase crash risk.

When were owners notified about recall 25V442?

Ford mailed owner notification letters on September 4, 2025. Used-vehicle owners and owners who moved after purchase should still check the VIN, because the VIN decides whether this recall applies to the specific vehicle.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V442000
Ford customer service1-866-436-7332
NHTSA recall #25V442
NHTSA recall # (full)25V442000

Source documents

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 →