© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: 2020 Ford Explorer cars are seen at Ford’s assembly plant in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., June 24, 2019. REUTERS/Kamil Krzaczynski
By David Sheparson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Ford Motor Co is recalling 422,000 sport utility vehicles in the United States because the video output can fail even after a previous repair, preventing the rear view camera image from being displayed.
The new recall covers 2020-2022 Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Corsair SUVs with a 360-degree camera from 2020 through 2023.
The recall expands on and replaces previous Ford callbacks for the same issue in 2021 and 2023. Last year, Ford updated the Image Processing Module (IPMB) software in an effort to address the issue.
Ford said Thursday that it is “working together with suppliers to identify the root cause and provide the correct remedy as quickly as possible.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that the loss of the rearview camera image can reduce a driver’s rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on June 26.
Last year, Ford said it had reports of 17 minor accidents involving the recall issue and more than 2,100 warranty reports.
Ford said Thursday it had 29 vehicle claims showing symptoms of display malfunctions after receiving the fix from the 2023 recall. Ford said it has 250 warranty reports alleging rear camera imaging malfunction after receiving the 2023 recall fix and a misdemeanor charge related to the loss of rear camera image.
The NHTSA in August 2021 opened an investigation after Ford in 2020 recalled 620,246 vehicles for another rear camera issue. The investigation is looking into whether Ford recalled the vehicles in a timely manner and whether it recalled enough vehicles.