Thousands of Ford crossovers recalled for backup camera problems
Ford just recalled nearly 5,000 2025 Escape SUVs which may display their rearview camera images upside down. Sounds like a joke, but nope—it’s a full-blown safety violation. And if you’ve ever tried backing out of a driveway with a mirror-world camera, you know it’s no laughing matter.
The glitch affects 2025 Escapes built at the Louisville Assembly Plant between December 10, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Ford says the issue comes from “rearview camera modules equipped with printed circuit boards intended for a different camera variant.” Translation: parts bin components from another rig have the image topsy turvy.
What the 2025 Ford Escape recall means for safety
This isn’t just annoying—it’s illegal. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 requires backup cameras to show a clear, accurate image. Ford admits the defect “does not comply with FMVSS 111 S6.2.1.” The image shows a trash can on your left, but you actually have to turn right. It’s confusing just to picture it. Obviously an upside-down display fails that standard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford hasn’t received reports of injuries or collisions. Still, the 2025 Ford Escape recall is serious enough that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is tracking it under campaign 25V-161. Drivers could misjudge the location of pedestrians, kids, or other cars while reversing.
Dealers will fix 2025 Ford Escape backup cameras at no charge
Ford told dealers to inspect affected vehicles and replace the backup camera module “as necessary.” The fix is free. Owner notifications go out starting April 28, 2025. If you want to skip the wait, call 1-866-436-7332 with your VIN ready and mention recall 25C08. The 2025 Ford Escape recall doesn’t affect trims with 360-degree cameras. But if you’re unsure whether your Escape’s on the list, don’t risk it. Plug your VIN into NHTSA.gov today.
To be fair, Ford caught the issue fast and is footing the bill. But let’s be honest: Backup cameras aren’t new tech. When your 2025 model forgets which way is up, it’s fair to ask what went wrong with engineering and quality control.
