2023 Ford Explorer: backup camera failure

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · UT

I am filing this complaint because the federal recall remedy performed on my 2023 Ford Explorer failed, and the Ford dealership that performed it refused to correct the failure. About a year after I purchased my 2023 Ford Explorer (used, from an independent dealer), I received Ford's federal recall notice for the rearview camera software defect (recall 23S02, the federal safety agency campaign 23V‑022). My vehicle had no problems at that time, but I took it to the authorized Ford dealership in [XXX], and had the recall software update installed as instructed. About seven months later, my vehicle developed the exact defect the recall was supposed to prevent: the backup camera stopped functioning and the infotainment screens went completely black, disabling multiple vehicle functions. This created a safety hazard because the vehicle no longer provided any rearview image while backing up. I returned the vehicle to the same dealership and asked them to correct the failed recall repair. Instead, the dealership claimed the problem was not recall-related, diagnosed a failed APIM module, and quoted about $1,600 for replacement plus a $300 diagnostic fee. The dealership then refused to release my vehicle until the $300 fee was paid, holding it for approximately two months. I took the vehicle to an independent repair shop, which confirmed the APIM was fine - the software had simply become corrupted - and repaired it by reinstalling the software. I paid $530.29 for that repair plus $313.79 for a replacement battery (the original died while the car sat at the dealership for two months). Ford was sent a formal demand letter on XXX, with a 10-day deadline, and never responded. NOTE: The incident date entered in this form is my best estimate only; the exact date is approximate. I am asking the federal safety agency to investigate this dealership's failure to honor a federal recall remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 15, 2025 · Driver assistance · TX

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a white screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the navigation screen seized and turned white. The contact stated that the screen icons failed to function as intended. The message "Unable to Connect with your Vehicle" displayed on the phone while using the Ford App. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 14, 2025 · Driver assistance · 7,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the safe operation of the vehicle. The contact stated that the black screen was permanently displayed on the rearview camera. The contact stated that none of the touchscreen icons on the screen were functioning as intended. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

Filed Nov 25, 2023 · Driver assistance · CA

The rear camera on my Explorer shows a blue screen most of the time and this has become a serious safety issue. A few weeks ago while backing out of a parking spot I almost hit a pedestrian who came out of a double-parked car because the pedestrian was in my rear view mirrors blind spot. Luckily a passenger in my car saw them and alerted me. The remedy for this recall was supposed to be available after August 7th. I have tried multiple times to get my vehicle in for repair. I have complained to my Ford dealer and opened a case with Ford customer service. They each told me something different and I'm not sure what to do now.

Filed Jul 13, 2023 · GA

I purchased a new 2023 Ford Explorer and during the finance process I found out it had a rear back up camera recall . I wasn’t able to take possession of my vehicle . It’s been sitting on the car dealership lot where I bought it . I bought it May 26th and the repair still hasn’t been resolved !! I want my vehicle !! I’m making a substantial payment on a vehicle I can’t have !!!! Please resolve this ASAP !!!!