Ford is recalling over 200,000 vehicles due to a software malfunction that can cause rearview cameras to fail. The issue increases the risk of a crash and possibly injury. The recall affects 200,061 vehicles, including certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect; 2019-2020 MKZ, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, and Fusion; 2019-2023 Ranger and Mustang; 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition and Navigator; 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD and Corsair; 2020-2023 Aviator and Transit; 2020-2024 Explorer; 2021-2024 Bronco Sport; and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles.
The problem stems from a recently discovered software error that could cause rearview cameras to display a blank image or a frozen image on the display after the vehicle is put into reverse. Ford noted that the blank image from a rearview camera could reduce a driver’s visibility. If an image continues to be displayed after the vehicle shifts out of reverse, it can distract the driver.
Both scenarios increase the risk of crashes. Owners of affected vehicles should take their vehicles to dealerships, which will update the software free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be sent out by July 28.
Anyone with questions about the recall can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall 25S72.
Ford vehicle recall details
Owners may also contact the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit their website.
The news of recalls at Ford seems to be becoming increasingly frequent. However, the latest recall had minimal effect on the company’s stock, which rose by 3.5% in Wednesday afternoon trading. In other news, Ford’s BlueCruise system is getting an upgrade.
The new version, BlueCruise 1.5, includes features such as automated lane changes, enabling the vehicle to pass slower-moving cars and yield to faster-moving traffic. Updates to the user interface will provide drivers with explanations for specific maneuvers, such as why hands-free driving was disengaged. However, users of older BlueCruise systems will not be able to upgrade due to hardware incompatibility.
Analysts have a Hold consensus rating on Ford stock. The stock has seen an 11.81% increase over the past year, but the target price of $9.71 per share implies a 17.33% downside risk. Despite these challenges, Ford continues to make strides in automotive technology, balancing the scales between persistent recalls and innovative advancements like the BlueCruise upgrade.
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