Key Takeaways
- Ford Motor Company is pulling back 254,640 SUVs across the United States following discovery of a software malfunction in the Image Processing Module A
- The recall encompasses Lincoln Navigator, Lincoln Nautilus, Lincoln Aviator, and Ford Explorer models
- The defect results in rearview camera failure and disables critical advanced driver assistance systems
- Impacted safety technologies include pre-collision assist, lane-keeping systems, and blind-spot detection
- Repairs will be provided at no charge through dealership service or over-the-air software patches; notifications begin March 30
Ford Motor (F) has announced a widespread recall affecting 254,640 sport utility vehicles across America following the identification of a software defect capable of disabling rearview camera functionality and essential safety technologies.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration disclosed the recall details on Tuesday. The action spans multiple model years across four distinct vehicle platforms.
Vehicles included in the recall are 2022 through 2025 model year Lincoln Navigators, 2024 and 2025 Lincoln Nautilus models, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator, and the 2025 Ford Explorer.
The underlying issue stems from the Image Processing Module A, which experiences unexpected system resets. During these reset events, operators lose access to the rearview camera display and multiple driver assistance technologies simultaneously.
Shares of Ford showed a modest 0.2% increase during premarket hours on Tuesday. This followed a stronger 2.1% rally during Monday’s regular session.
Safety Systems Compromised by the Defect
The module reset disrupts the operation of pre-collision assist technology, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring capabilities. These represent fundamental safety features that many motorists depend upon during daily driving.
Ford has stated that no crashes, injuries, or vehicle fires related to this software malfunction have been reported to date.
The remedy involves a software patch applied to the Image Processing Module A. Vehicle owners can receive the update either by scheduling a dealership appointment or through a wireless over-the-air transmission, with no charge for the service.
Timeline and Next Steps for Vehicle Owners
Ford will begin sending official notification correspondence to affected vehicle owners starting March 30.
Vehicle owners seeking to verify whether their SUV falls within the recall scope can enter their vehicle identification number on the NHTSA’s online database.
The automaker filed the official recall documentation with the NHTSA, which made the information publicly available Tuesday morning.
Since this is exclusively a software-related fix, no hardware components require replacement during the repair process.
Ford has not yet announced a specific deployment schedule for the over-the-air update distribution, though owners can immediately schedule dealership appointments as an option.
The recall encompasses production from model year 2022 through 2025, representing a substantial portion of recent Lincoln and Ford SUV manufacturing.
As of Tuesday’s opening bell, Ford stock maintained slight upward momentum following the recall disclosure, with the 0.2% premarket advance extending the previous day’s 2.1% gain.
