2020 Ford Explorer: backup camera failure

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · WA

My 2020 Ford Explorer previously received a safety recall repair under Ford Recall 23S23 for the 360-degree/rearview camera system. Unfortunately, the camera system is malfunctioning again following that repair. The 360-degree display intermittently shows solid blue/teal or black areas instead of properly displaying the vehicle’s surroundings. The camera images also become washed out, distorted, or unusually dark, reducing visibility when reversing. Additionally, my instrument cluster displays the warning “Reverse Brake Assist Not Available – See Manual.” These problems raise serious safety concerns because the vehicle’s camera visibility is compromised while another safety system reports that it is unavailable. This creates potential risks when backing near children, pedestrians, other vehicles, or obstacles. I have photographs documenting the camera malfunctions and dashboard warning. Ford subsequently issued Recall 25S27 after discovering that certain vehicles previously repaired under Recall 23S23 may not have received the correct remedy, even though the repairs were recorded as completed. I have not yet received confirmation whether Recall 25S27 applies to my specific vehicle. On October 8, 2026, I visited Mullinax Ford of Olympia regarding the recurring safety problems. The dealership advised that I would have to pay out of pocket for a diagnosis. I subsequently submitted a written request asking for the recurring defect and applicable recall coverage to be reviewed, but received no response. I escalated the matter to the dealership’s General Manager on October 19, 2026. The underlying cause has not been determined. I am concerned that the original camera safety defect may not have been adequately corrected and that the vehicle continues to experience a related safety risk. I request that the federal safety agency review these recurring malfunctions and the adequacy of the previous recall remedy.

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Vehicle started hard shifting while driving and noticed hard shifts when slowing down. Vehicle then began to lose power while driving. Display screen has issues at times screen will only display blue or stay in backup camera mode.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Visibility · OH

Explorers moon roof shad came of track and I was unaware and could not see behind my in my rear view camera. Also was covering my infant child's face when it drooped down instead of rolling back.

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · AZ

I previously reported a safety issue re. Brakes not working in park. Vehicle rolled back and car almost hit mom and young daughter walking behind vehicle in parking lot. When I brought it to BellFord in [XXX] they told me it was not covered under the recall since it wasn’t being caused by rear axle. Instead they wanted to charge me $3,000 to diagnose their manufacturing defect. In addition when I notified Ford rep who never said anything other then I must get car diagnosed and pay for it and then “we will see .” Ford complaint XXX and I believe this is the federal safety agency Complaint # XXX. Here is my initial Ford complaint Cxh-XXX was closed without explanation no one could tell me why no one had contacted me. I am very concerned that Ford is not taking responsibility for defective cars. My car now has only 47k. Brake issue. I had to replace front boots due to leaking and front axle was leaking. I had that fixed and now rear back up camera isn’t working. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 17, 2026 · WV

Rear view camera 360 camera when backing up is going to a blue or black screen. When it’s not going black or blue the image is very grainy and hard to see image while backing up.

Filed Jan 23, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · NC

**Upon request, all failed components can be inspected anytime for any reason. From this date (01/23/26) forward. If any repairs or replacementa had been rectified by Ford, receipts of the repair(s) will be provided regardless. I cannot recall exactly when these issues started so my ball park is 5/11/22. That is literally 2 years of driving the car from the show room. I was getting some lights on my dash that I have lost all functions with the vehicle ...ie: drivers assistance, airbags, up hill decent, pre- collision, no driving modes and the car felt normal. I was still under warranty so the repair that was done was an update to the BCM (is what I am told.) So the mechanic did a reprogram to the module. About a year I noticed I was then getting check headlamp notification pin my dash. I check the lamps and all seemed to be just fine. Also I was dealing with a dead battery all the time. at least once a month. But I was told I needed to drive the car more often. No matter still getting a dead monthly battery and here and there "check headlamp". Approx last year 2025, I realized. it was really dark driving the SUV. I get out and long behold the low beam headlamp was out. Played with switches..nothing. Checked into just getting a new one. its is a STAGGERING 1.5K!!!!PER HEADLamp! Well, the cops pull me over 4 times. For a headlight with LEDs why am I even having to price this? This Platinum trim just h I 5 years old and I cant believe all the problems. Along with that I found that this is considered something for the owner has to replace due to owners maintenance. No. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN RECALLED. THE DEAD BATTERY. WELL...I know am out of all warranties to the vehicle AND FORD IS SHUTTING THE DOOR IN MY FACE for any "goodwill repairs" (So far) As of this very moment, I have a dead 2020 Ford Platinum Explorer. Heads Lamp is still out. Yet there is a recall on a backup camera. Complete joke and this is literally disappointing.

Filed Dec 20, 2025 · Driver assistance · FL

Rear camera does not detect traffic passing or people walking behind the vehicle.Sometimes the screen goes blue. Crash alert goes off any time it wants. Even when parked.

Filed Oct 17, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · MD · crash

Put vehicle in reverse camera camera on then went black and the backup lights went out while trying to move resulting in hitting a pole.

Filed Sep 12, 2025 · OH

The backup camera comes on when stop at a red light/stop sign all the time. When backing up sometimes screen will show picture of backing up and other times screen will be blue. Dangerous when in parking lot at grocery store as people do not pay attention. Ongoing for over 6 to 8 months now.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Fuel system, Suspension · NC

When my vehicle reaches 60 mph the back end of my vehicle begins to sway excessively. Something may be wrong with the axle. It’s actually very frightening. Also, when my vehicle is running, I feel a slight puttering and then it quickly goes away as if somethings going on with the fuel pump. Lastly, my rearview camera sometimes looks a little blurry. I did take my vehicle to team Chevrolet in Swansboro, North Carolina where I purchased the vehicle. They stated something is going on with the axle and sway bar.

Filed Jun 5, 2025 · Lights · MD · crash

Back up camera glitches and back up lights went out cause me to back into a tree at night

Filed May 31, 2025 · CO

Back up camera turns off out of nowhere while in use. We have to stop immediately and turn back and not always is there visibility through the rearview window. Has not been inspected, they wanted to charge me $200 just to look at it. Once it goes out after a while it states that backup camera not available and to contact the dealership on the screen.